society_admin, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Gobet247: New Betting Platform Launches in Nigeria, Promises Exciting Rewards

…sign up and get a N250 bonus

The burgeoning betting industry will inevitably experience an intense revolution when Gobet247 makes its grand entry into the Nigerian market on May 14, 2022, the new betting firm has said.

Gobet247, a Nigerian company, said it is committed to rewarding the passion of Nigerians by creating a world-class and hassle-free experience for the betting populace.

With more bonuses, great odds and instant payouts, the firm said Gobet247 is raising the bar in the Nigerian betting industry, with offerings that are mouth-watering and the delivery that is stimulating.

The company noted that fans would get a N250 welcome bonus once they sign up via the user-friendly platform; https://gobet247.com with no deposit required. Upon first deposit, punters would also get a 100% bonus.

According to the General Manager of the betting firm, Damian Okosun, “Gobet247 online platform is an easy-to-use on desktop and mobile phones as bookmakers can seamlessly register, deposit, place their bets and withdraw their winnings without hassles.

“We are committed to providing the fastest payout in the industry and that is an experience our customers will find out by the time we roll out nationwide on May 14.”

“We are creating a brand that the gaming populace will trust; a platform that offers the pundits the opportunity to access their winnings in a twinkle of an eye. More so, punters can earn more using our platform for their gaming activities because our odds are highly competitive.”

He said the customers can’t be worried about the security of their identities and funds, insisting that the top-class technology deployed by the firm makes the platform among the most-secured betting websites in the country.

“Choosing Gobet247.com, one of the most secured online betting sites in Nigeria, you can be sure of getting 250% accumulation bonus and sign up bonus with no deposit required,” the online gambling platform manager noted.

Okosun added that although Nigerians are more passionate about football, the platform covers many sports including volleyball, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, boxing, MMA, and table tennis among others.

“Our offerings also capture those who like to play casino; there is an opportunity for those that play lotto. They can play these games live. We certainly have more markets and our customers are going to enjoy more matches and leagues compared to our competitors,” he added.

Heritage Bank’s support for socio-economic growth earns Senior Executive EveAfrique Award

Senior Management Executive of Heritage Bank Plc received the “Heart of Gold” award by EveAfrique organiser of the annual Red Ball for Charity.

The awardee, Osepiribo Ben-Willie, Directorate Head, South-South, South-East & Private Wealth Management, who was part of the 10 awardees was honoured for her immense contribution to the sustainable development and socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

EveAfrique’s Red Ball for Charity 2022 edition themed, “A night of Hope

with focus on Lupus Awareness and Management,” led to the awards and entertainment gala where the Heart of Gold awards were presented.

Speaking at the event, Ben-Willie stated that Heritage Bank has been at the forefront of investing in human capital development for critical economic recovery. This, according to her informed the keen interest in extending support to the Niger Delta region.

Specifically, she commended the organisers of the event for the award and on the need to raise awareness in addressing a peculiar health matter about Lupus signs and symptoms which happens not to be known by many individuals.

Ben-Willie said, “In Heritage Bank, health is priority that is why we will continue to partner and support the organizers of EveAfrique on knowledge increase about the importance of early detection and treatment, enhancing the self-management skills of people with lupus, and improving the capacity of health care providers in their ability to make quick and accurate diagnoses.”

She disclosed the Bank’s commitment to support one of the survivors of Lupus, Boma Alaiyiboba Graham-Douglas’s foundation, whilst stating that the bank has been at the forefront of addressing health matters through several partnership with state governments and NGOs.

In her

keynote address, the Convener of EveAfrique of Red Ball for Charity initiative, Ivy Davis Etokakpan said that her organisation in partnership with Heritage Bank has synergized to create significant awareness and support for individuals affected by the disease.

She further stated that the Heart of Gold award was presented in appreciation of well-deserved distinguished persons who have made notable strides in the areas of protection and respect for human rights, peaceful settlement of disputes, sustainable development to socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta region.

Transcorp Hotels Plc pushes on with outstanding Q1 performance as PBT rises by 624.4% and revenue grows by 77.4%

…Hospitality giant reports revenue of N7bn and gross profit of N5.1bn

Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria’s top hospitality company and a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc. (Transcorp Group) has ended Q1 2022 with an impressive result, reporting a 77.4% growth in revenue to N7.04 billion from N3.97 billion in the same period in 2021. The hospitality company which owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar and online booking platform aura by Transcorp Hotels, also recorded more than 600% growth in profit before tax (PBT) to N1.067 billion from a loss of N203.7 million in the same period last year.

The result is contained in the Company’s Unaudited Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March 2022, published on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).

Commenting on the results, Mrs Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, expressed confidence in the Company’s ability to sustain its growth trajectory.

“Our first quarter performance was driven by our relentless innovation in all facets of our business, creating new and tailored business and leisure offerings, while consistently improving guest experience to ensure maximum value for every spend. This has seen us record continuous growth from January through March. Our leisure business remains strong on the back of strategies employed following the pandemic, even as our International Business Travellers continue to show impressive recovery. Q1 ended with a RevPAR growth of 74.4% when compared with Q1 2021, and an ADR growth of 19.1%, even as we continue to outperform industry average,” Dupe Olusola said.

Looking ahead, we expect to continue to see improvements through the second quarter, as we remain committed to delivering exceptional services and increase access to luxurious hospitality, in keeping with our mission of redefining hospitality in Africa. Also, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to reduce, we expect business travel to accelerate which would further supplement the buoyant leisure business,” the Managing Director/CEO added.”

In her comments, the Chief Finance Officer, Mrs. Oluwatobiloba Ojediran, highlighted the outstanding performance of the Company, stressing that the Group was able to strategically contain costs of operation to achieve the optimal results.

“A notable level of operational efficiency was witnessed during the quarter, as the operating expense margin reduced from 58% in Q1 2021 to 45% Q1 2022, despite the impressive 77% year-on-year growth in Revenue. Also, the Gross profit margin was sustained at 73%,” Mrs. Ojediran said.

“This is amidst Nigeria’s inflation rate which climbed to 15.92% in March 2022, from 15.6% in December 2021, the fastest rise in consumer prices since last October 2021. Also, prices of diesel, which is used to power most businesses, more than doubled within the same period.

As demand continues to rise, the hospitality company has disclosed plans to expedite the commencement of planned developments in Lagos and Port Harcourt, even as it continues to expand its reach via its online booking platform, aura by Transcorp Hotels, which allows people to book hotels and short let apartments, experiences, and order food anywhere in Nigeria. The Company is also developing a world-class event center at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

FIRSTBANK WINS BEST BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST BANK IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION NIGERIA 2022

Nigeria’s premier banking institution and leading financial services inclusion services provider, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has won two awards: Best Bank in Nigeria 2022 and Best Banking Digital Transformation Nigeria at the International Investor Awards 2022, a print and online publication that provides insights, news and visual informative pieces with topics ranging from world markets, investing opportunities, industry analysis and so much more. All content is dedicated to the global investment community that wants to take a step ahead.

The bank was recognized with the Best Bank in Nigeria 2022 award for its leadership role in promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria which has been integral to improving lives and stimulating businesses of individuals across the country.

Also, the Best Bank in Digital Transformation was awarded to FirstBank in recognition of its continued efforts at reinventing its digital banking channels which have been central to reinforcing the Bank’s leading role in promoting a cashless society in the country whilst putting customers at an advantage in enjoying a secured and seamless digital banking experiences. The Bank’s digital banking channels include; its recently unveiled fully automated branch (FirstBank Digital Experience Centre), *894# USSD banking, FirstMobile, First online, and WhatsApp banking amongst others.

Expressing delight at the Bank’s performance. Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications First Bank of Nigeria Limited said: “We thank International Investor Awards for the recognition, whilst dedicating these awards to our esteemed customers spread across the world for their unflinching patronage of our services through our 128 years of existence.

As a bank that is woven into the fabric of society, we remain committed to ensuring that our customers enjoy safe, secure and advanced financial services as they seamlessly carry out their banking transactions on the go, irrespective of where they are,” she concluded.

In 2021 financial year, the Bank received similar recognitions. A few of these are: Most Innovative Retail Banking App Nigeria 2021 by Global Banking and Finance Awards; African Bank of the Year 2021 & Innovative Banking Product of the Year 2021 by African Leadership Magazine Awards; Best Internet Banking Nigeria 2021 by International Business Magazine; Best Financial Brand 2021 by Global Brands Awards.

Others are: Best Consumer Digital Bank 2021 by Global Finance; Alternative Delivery Channel of the Year 2021 by BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards and 2nd Most admired financial services Brand in Africa by Brand Africa.

Workers’ Day: Ecobank Nigeria To Host Webinar On Investment Opportunities

Ecobank Nigeria has concluded arrangements to hold a consumer-focused and investment-oriented webinar titled “Today’s Opportunities for Your Money; Making the Best of the Moment”. The webinar, slated for May 6, 2022, by 11am is in commemoration of Workers’ day and it will feature a carefully selected panel of speakers; notably Jimi Ogbobine, Head of Agusto Consulting, business experts from the bank’s Treasury and Consumer Products teams, as well as Ecobank Development Corporation (EDC), the bespoke investment arm of the Ecobank Group. The registration link is https://bit.ly/3OHw35s

Speaking ahead of the event, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the webinar will focus essentially on the investment opportunities available to customers and non customers considering current macro-economic realities, adding that it will also provide a guide to investment in key sectors and the banks offerings to help them get the best out of today’s financial landscape.

According to her, “The purely virtual webinar is designed for workers, salary earners, business owners and open to everyone. A consumer banking webinar of this magnitude is one of the numerous ways we retain our leading position as a Pan-African Bank and our customers’ preferred financial partner and this year’s Workers’ Day celebration gives us another opportunity to provide them value that goes beyond banking.”

She further explained that “In putting together this webinar, our goal is to provide every individual; irrespective of their location, class or income range, the right financial advice to help them unlock maximum value for their money. People work hard for their money and they deserve to acquire the insights that will help them put their money to work. We believe this webinar will help them achieve that.”

While imploring members of the public to join the webinar, Mrs. Demola-Adeniyi maintained: “The webinar is bound to provide financial education and financial planning tips to our customers and every other participant. “Participants will be informed about relevant investment opportunities to create wealth and most importantly, how the bank can be useful to them at this time. “It is important to make an informed decision regarding how to manage your money.”

Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading Pan-African banking group with operations in 33 African countries and an international presence in four locations (London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai). Ecobank Nigeria is a full-service bank providing wholesale, retail, investment and transaction banking services and products to governments, financial institutions, multinationals, international organizations, medium, small and micro businesses and individuals.

Ecobank is a major player in the distribution of financial services in Nigeria, leveraging digital platforms including Ecobank Mobile App and USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, Ecobank OmniPlus, Ecobank Omnilite, EcobankPay, Ecobank RapidTransfer, ATMs, POSs and an extensive distribution network of over 250 branches and over 50,000 agency banking locations.

Heritage Bank, Delta State rev-up creative sector for economic growth

…Omu Anioma unveils local fabrics ‘Akwa Ocha’

Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s Most Innovative Service provider has collaborated with Delta State to make the creative and entertainment industry mainstay of revenue generation that will stimulate sustainable growth to the nation’s economy.

This was disclosed when the Omu Anioma and Nneoha, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu unveiled the Anioma eternal native attire, “Akwa Ocha” to the Entertainment world during the Delta Music, Comedy and Fashion Expo held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State. Meanwhile, during a contest for best dancers dressed in Akwa-Ocha, organized by 2Things Promotion and prize money guaranteed by Heritage Bank Ynspyre Account, the 1^st Prize winner, Friday Nkechi received N250,000, whilst Opene-Terry Joseph and Usanga Joseph as the 2^nd and 3^rd winners carted away N150,000 and N100,000, respectively

The MD/CEO of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, in his remarks said the partnership is in line with its culture as timeless wealth partners which has continued to impact positively on the nation’s socio-economic development.

“The Akwa Ocha fabric Industry, Entertainment and Creative Industry that Delta State is known for, may be the revenue base of the State Government beyond Oil. Heritage Bank is always available and ready to partner with the State and players in the industry to achieve Delta beyond Oil,” he said.

According to him, the music and entertainment industry has done so much for Nigeria in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings and if more resources could be put into it, the country would be better for it.

Sekibo who was represented by the Ag. Group Head, South-South 2/ECM, Charles Ojakovo affirmed that the bank would continue to support initiatives that have to do with sustainable growth, adding that the bank has always supported the Entertainment and Creative Industry.
“This Industry over the years has had a huge impact on our GDP and engaging a very large number of our youths thereby reducing the level of unemployment.

“Akwa ocha is an Anioma Heritage and our Heritage, and there is need to take it to the next level and international standards, as a hub to orchestrate economic growth,” he noted.

He further explained that Heritage Bank’s various entrepreneural schemes in support of business had always focused on dependable job-creating sectors, such as agricultural value chain (fish farming, poultry, snail farming), cottage industry, mining and solid minerals, creative industry (tourism, arts, and crafts), and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

HRM Dunkwu commended Heritage Bank for its partnership with the organizers of the event for factoring a concept that introduces the Akwa Ocha fabric into fashion shows.

She emphasized how impressed she was at the beautiful appearance of all the models who were gorgeously dressed in the attire in such a dignified and holy exhibition.

Omu Dunkwu said she couldn’t have been more excited having been chosen as the one to do the unveiling of the Akwa Ocha for which she had devoted over a decade to promoting in line with propagating the unique identity and values of the Anioma people of Delta State.

Dunkwu affirmed that there was no fabric like the Akwa Ocha all over the world, which is why different people of the world are coming to identify with the source of the captivating attire – Anioma land.

The cerebral Queen Mother of the Anioma nation advised that conscious effort be made to market the brand by the younger generation who are willing to go into fashion business, maintaining that Akwa Ocha fabric could be money spinning venture if well packaged because of its unique and attractive features.

ZENITH BANK REMAINS NIGERIA’S BEST BANK BACK-TO-BACK FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS IN THE GLOBAL FINANCE BEST BANKS AWARDS 2022

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Magazine’s Best Banks Awards 2022, retaining the award for a third consecutive year. The Bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa recognised as the prestigious Global Finance announced its 29th Annual Best Bank Awards Winners.

The editors of Global Finance made the selections after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Global Finance considered factors that ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed subjective in selecting the top banks. Objective criteria considered included: growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.

Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: “This award is a testament to our tenacity despite a very challenging macroeconomic environment. Indeed, being recognised, for the third consecutive year, is an acknowledgement of the resilience of the Zenith brand as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.” He lauded the contributions and efforts of the Bank’s key stakeholders – the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CON, for his pioneering role in building the structures and laying the foundation for an enduring and successful institution, the Board for the outstanding leadership they provide, the staff for their commitment and dedication as well as the Bank’s customers for their unwavering loyalty and support.

Global Finance’s “Best Banks Awards” are recognised amongst the world’s most influential banking/finance and corporate professionals as the most coveted and credible awards in the banking industry, with winners chosen in 150 countries and territories across Africa, AsiaPacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

Founded in 1987, Global Finance regularly selects the top performers among banks and other financial services providers, and the awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community. Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, said: “With the financial world in a state of turmoil from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, corporate leaders face a new set of challenges concerning the choice of their banking relationships.” According to him, “following on the enormous difficulties wrought by the pandemic, these changes demand increased attention to global commercial relationships. Our awards support decision-makers in selecting the best financial partners.”

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has earned the brand numerous awards, including being voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

Tony Elumelu Presents Transcorp Group’s Strong 2021 Performance and ESG Blueprint to Shareholders

Shareholders of Nigeria’s leading listed diversified conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”), met today for the Group’s 16th Annual General Meeting, held at the Group’s hospitality flagship, Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

The Group saw significant growth across all metrics. Group Gross Earnings increased to N111.2 billon in 2021, from N75.3 billion in 2020. Profit Before Tax increased to N27.99 billon, from N1.6 billon. Profit After Tax recorded in 2020 was N3.8 billion, while 2021 saw an increase by N23.8 billion and total assets grew to N416 billion in 2021 from N319.2 in 2020.

Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu expressed his delight in the positive performance, across all sectors within the Group.

“Shareholders, I am sure you will share with me the considerable satisfaction of knowing that our company has continued to surpass its past performance, despite the macroeconomic difficulties. Our priority in 2022, is to continue optimising our existing assets and pursuing growth opportunities. This is critical to ensure sustainable growth in an ever-changing operating landscape.”

He continued by underlining the Group’s corporate responsibility to its communities. “At the core of Transcorp’s purpose is a commitment to building socially responsible and impactful businesses, in key strategic economic sectors that serve our diverse stakeholders. Transcorp, as a responsible corporate citizen, has consistently embraced and sustained a corporate culture and social commitment by driving the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in all aspects of the business’ dealings and investment decisions. As a Group, we remain unwavering in our commitment to sustainable growth, driven by a mission to delivering long-term value and good to all our stakeholders.”

The Chairman showed appreciation by thanking shareholders, for their valuable support during the year. He also thanked all members of the Transcorp Group for their utmost dedication towards the vision of creating sustainable value for their stakeholders.

The President of Transcorp Group, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo, also spoke to the Group’s innovation in the hospitality business demonstrated by the launch of its digital hospitality platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels in 2021, and highlighted the ongoing investment in assets in 2022, with the commissioning of a best-in-class Spa, and a 3,000 person capacity multipurpose hall, both at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

“We are optimistic about the Group’s strategic direction and ability to deliver value. Our performance underlines the success of our long-term strategy of sustainable growth, diversifying our revenues, and accessing new business opportunities to deliver superior returns to all our stakeholders.” Omogiafo said.

The shareholders also approved the change of the company’s name to Transnational Corporation Plc to reflect its new commitment to expanding its impact beyond Nigerian.

Special Tawaf: Tinubu Thanks Obasa, Wants More Prayers For Nigeria

– Urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari, other leaders

– Seeks Allah’s intervention in Nigeria’s challenges

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and top presidential aspirant on the party’s platform, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has thanked the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, for the special Tawaf held for him and in favour of his ambition in Mecca.

Tinubu also commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for the successes so far recorded under the leadership of Dr. Obasa just as he appreciated the members of the House who took part in the Tawaf.

The special Tawaf held on Thursday around Kaabah at the centre of Islam’s most important mosque, the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

While expressing gratitude to the participants, Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos, urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to pray for a better Nigeria.

He encouraged the citizens to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the country as they make efforts to resolve the country’s challenges.

“As Muslim faithful continue their fasting and supplications to Allah in this Holy month of Ramadan, I express my gratitude to the Lagos State House of Assembly for their decision to organise a special Tawaf (circumambulation of Holy Kaabah) and prayer session for me today (Thursday) in Mecca.

“I’m most honoured by this gesture purposed to be in furtherance of similar prayers seeking God’s blessings for my aspiration to lead our country from 2023.

“However, while thanking Speaker Mudasiru Obasa and all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for this important decision, I enjoin the Speaker and his colleagues to go beyond my ambition and pray for Nigeria as well.

“I urge them to intercede on behalf of the nation and beseech Almighty Allah for an end to the challenges besieging our country.

“I urge them to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration in their efforts to surmount these challenges,” he appealed.

He further urged for prayers to Allah to touch the hearts of bandits and criminal elements in the country so that they toe the path of goodness in the blessed month of Ramadan.

“I also enjoin everyone organising or holding similar prayers either for themselves or for some particular causes to also remember to pray for our country in this sacred month,” he said.

The Tawaf was attended by political and business leaders as well as Islamic schorlars.

COURT ORDERS BANKS TO FREEZE SUSPECTED DRUG BARONS’ ACCOUNTS

A Lagos Federal High Court, has ordered Zenith Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa, UBA, to place a lien, also known as Post No Debit (PND) on the accounts of two suspected drug barons, Basil Okafor Onochie (SIR) and Okwuchukwu Edwin Izuchukwu.

Justice Tijjani Ringim, who presided over the court, issued the directive to the two banks, while granting a motion Exparte marked FHC/L/CS/694/2022, for such orders, by the anti-narcotic agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Apart from ordering placing liens on the said accounts, Justice Ringim also directed the two bank to allow the NDLEA to inspect and make Certified True Copies (CTC) of Account Opening Packages, Statements of accounts and any relevant documents in their custody in compliance with section 84 of the Evidence Act 2014, for purposes of investigation.

NDLEA had approached the court for the orders, through its counsel, Barrister Umar Hussaini, pursuant to sections 6(6) B, 44(1) and (2)(K) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended), sections 41 and 42(2) of the NDLEA Act Cap. N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (As amended); Section 13(1) FHC Act 2004, Order 26(6-10); 28(1)and(2) and 30(A) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019 and under the Court’s inherent jurisdisction.

NDLEA lawyer, Umar when moving the Exparte application, asked the court to order Zenith Bank to freeze account numbers: 1001203139, 1010359483 belonging to Onochie and his company, Optional Business Bureau Limited, and account number: 1001464228 belonging to Okwuchukwu Edwin Izuchukwu.

He also asked the court to direct UBA Plc to place a lien on account numbers: 1008374573 belonging to Onochie.

He said the order sought for is for the period of 90 days, which the agency would have concluded it’s Investigation.

Justice Ringim after listened to the submissions of the counsel and perused all the processes before her said: “I have carefully perused the motion Exparte, supported with 18 paragraphs affidavit, Written address and exhibits attached.

“I’m of the firm view and satisfied that the orders sought for deserved to be granted and same are accordingly granted.”

NDLEA in an affidavit in support of the Summons Exparte, deposed to by Kareem Olayinka Musibau, an Investigating Narcotic Officer, stated that on March 28, 2022, the NDLEA Operatives arrested both Onochie and Izuchukwu, at 26, Akpomuje Street, Isolo-Okota Area of Lagos State, in connection with the seizures Of 2.169 kilograms of Heroin.

He stated that both Onochie and Izuchukwu are prominent transnational drug traffickers across the world and that following their arrest, the NDLEA is now investigating the level of their involvement in respect of the seizures of the hard drugs made on March 28, 2022, at their above stated address.

The deponet further stated that in the course of investigation, the NDLEA discovered the stated bank accounts, being used by both Onochie and Izuchukwu to launder the proceeds from their illicit drug dealings and that they both admitted the commission of the said offence in their respective written statements.

He stated that it has become necessary for the NDLEA to freeze the accounts temporarily pending the final investigation of this case.

He also avered that it would be expedient and for the court to place a Post No Debit status on the said account numbers, domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc and UBA Plc, operated by both Onochie and Izuchukwu.

The deponet also stated that order of the court is necessary to require the Zenith Bank and UBA Plc, to give the NDLEA access to inspect and make certified true copies of statement of accounts in compliance with section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011, copies of all the account opening decuments and other relevant documents in respect of the accounts aforementioned to enable the applicant conduct and complete investigation in this case.

He averred that the order of the court is urgently required to carry out this of investigations and that no one will be prejudiced by the grant of the application, as it was in the interest of justice to grant the order sought for.