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Abubakar Isa Funtua
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest and detention of the son of the late Isa Funtua, Abubakar, for allegedly stealing over N28 billion and other fraudulent activities.
Abubakar and his Ugandan business associate, Asega Aliga, were alleged to have looted N28 billion from Keystone Bank and fled Nigeria. While Abubakar was said to have initially moved to Spain, where he was estimated to worth $300 million in cash and properties, Aliga was said to be hiding in Uganda.
Abubakar, who was arrested by EFCC operatives in his Abuja home last Friday, would likely spend his Sallah holiday in detention.
Confirming the arrest in a chat with The Guardian, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said: “Yes it’s true.”
It was alleged that the duo used 13 dubiously formed companies to collect agricultural loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) when it was under the headship Mr. Godwin Emefiele and paid only N7 billion before they decided to go into hiding.
The shell companies allegedly used are: Stefem Agriculture Nig Ltd, Middleemarsh Farm Ltd, Agricultural Derivatives Ltd, Charis2014 Global Ltd, Ikeez Agro Allied Resources Ltd, Piers On Agro-Allied, Wholefoods Processing Ltd, Tenaco Farms and Food Nig Ltd, House of Eshcol Ltd, Mahveck Global Concept Ltd, Estim Farms Ltd, Willymonia Int and Hargrik Agro Investment Ltd.
According to sources, it was discovered that Abubakar and Aliga had used fronts to set up a company called Seltrix Nigeria Limited, where most of the N28 billion collected from the CBN as agric loans were warehoused. The sources revealed that only about N4 billion is now left in Seltrix account .
“Keystone Bank can no longer recover their money because the companies used to obtain those loans only exist on papers,” the sources said.
The Lagos State Government has alerted residents that the outbreak of severe gastroenteritis affecting multiple local government areas (LGAs) is caused by the current cholera outbreak.
The Ministry of Health spokesperson, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, stating that the confirmation comes after laboratory investigations and test results revealed the presence of cholera subtype 0-1.
Ogunbanwo, who quoted the commissioner for health, Akin Abayomi, said the cholera subtype 0–1 is associated with more severe disease and the pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.
The outbreak, according to Ogunbanwo, has resulted in 350 suspected cases, 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
The affected LGAs include several areas across the state, with a higher concentration in some of the densely populated neighbourhoods.
The Lagos State Government has now activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
The PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State.
“Although this is an increase from the numbers published 3 days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAS, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” the Commissioner said.
He added that “The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are prepositioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), public health education campaigns,” he explained.
Abayomi noted that a Lagos State Government Ministry of Health high-level team just concluded a meeting with the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Jide Idris, and his team, as well as key partners from the World Health Organisation (WHO), to ensure all interventions are optimised.
Abayomi, however, urged residents to support the state government’s efforts by adhering strictly to precautionary measures, cooperating with health authorities, and participating in community-wide sanitation activities to mitigate the spread of cholera, particularly as the Eid-al-Adha celebration approaches.
“During this Ileya festive season, residents are advised to drink safe water, cook food thoroughly, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitiser, and avoid over crowded places. Reporting symptoms like watery diarrhea or vomiting immediately is also crucial, to save lives and prevent transmission to other members of community,” he said.
“Treatment for suspected cholera is provided free of charge at all government facilities as part of governments standard public health response.”
Moc Madu is a Nollywood actor and model. Born in Sokoto, the Anambra State native has a degree in theatre arts from the Imo State University, Owerri. The budding actor has featured in movies including, Brotherhood, Orah, Blood and Rage, Mothers Love, Simple People, Bosslady, and most recently, Afamefuna. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, he shares his passion for acting, navigating the industry as well as his role in Afamefuna.
[ad] Take us through your journey into the Nollywood industry?
I started acting professionally in 2015. Growing up in Abuja, and being someone, who is passionate about acting, I went through a lot to be in the movie environment in Abuja. I became a crew member, which became part of my career line, but the passion for acting became stronger, I had to leave Abuja to Kaduna, where I worked with Toka Mcbaror on his movie project in 2011. After the project, I didn’t go back to Abuja. Rather, I took the next available bus to Lagos, not knowing any one, but yes, I googled a school call Pefti Film Institute and I said to myself this will be a landing point, at least, I will have accommodation for some while I studied and pursued my acting career. I was studying Cinematography in PEFTI, while I was going for acting auditions, and of course, I got opportunity to feature in Papa Ajasco and Super Story as an actor but my major push was after I made it through the Mnet audition in Lagos that got me featured in foremost Hotel Majestic telenovela in 2015.
You featured in the Netflix movie, Afamefuna, how would you describe your experience on set?
Playing adult Chike was, indeed, a great experience, and the fact that I spoke Igbo all through my scenes. It was really amazing and what made it more memorable was the friendship. Working with Alex Ekubo, Stan Nze, Kanayo O. Kanayo and lots of amazing actors and the Director, Kayode Kassum, made it really easy for the actors. So, in general we had an amazing environment that made the job enjoyable. While filming in the market, I saw how the Nwa boys were really hustling for customers and that actually gave more light to the characters we played. So, basically my relationship with the actors and crew was such a beautiful experience.
Tell us about your role?
Chike happened to be Afam’s guy, always ready to fight for him, which you could see from the opening scenes. Chike’s shows that in the circle of Ndi Oga you always find your own pals that can stand up for you in your challenging time. I really enjoyed playing Chike because it has truly opened other opportunities for me.
[ad] What projects are you currently working on?
So, currently I’m featured in two movies produced by Kanayo O. Kanayo and another produced by Chichi Nwora and few others not to be disclosed, but trust me they are intriguing movies that you have to look forward to.
What stands out for you in the Nollywood industry and keeps you going?
What’s stands out for me is the fact that Nollywood is evolving and we are beginning to tell better stories and the cinema culture has grown and still growing and off course the streaming platforms has created more work for actors and filmmakers and more investors are beginning to believe in the film business. So, basically the industry is a major employer of labour as many are gainfully employed.
Share with us some of the challenges you have faced navigating through?
Without missing words, I got a lot of rejections and many ‘No’s and some of the things that come with rejections is depression. I was depressed a couple of times. I will cry to my satisfaction and then I will pray.
But that didn’t deter me. I was resilient, I refused to give up. I did some jobs that I wasn’t paid. I remembered vividly how I traveled to another state to film for a producer on the promise that he would pay me after the shoot, I was done with the shoot but couldn’t get even my transportation fare to go back home. And then the industry somewhat has caucus where you have to play some games to belong or to get a movie role. It hasn’t been rosy but I’m no longer where I used to be.
Who do you consider your biggest influences in the industry?
I wouldn’t say who, but there are few people who are still influencers in my life. The likes of Femi Jacobs; he will chat me up and leave some words of encouragement for me. Kanayo O Kanayo is a father to me always praying and wishing me well and Ijeoma Grace Agu; that woman pushed and stretched me I truly appreciate her. She is one of the major influences in my life.
Do you think platforms like Netflix and Amazon are creating impact and redefining the industry?
To some extent they are but you can agree with me that there are still other platforms they are holding back like the Cinemas/ Theatre: As much as the impact is huge.
What does style mean to you?
Style is anything that makes me feel comfortable when I wear it. It can be simple or complex but has to be comfortable for me. My style depends on my mood basically.
[ad] When you are not on set, what is Moc doing?
I love sports. I love to play lawn Tennis. If I’m not doing any sporting activities, then I am off to go support family business
Describe Moc is three words?
Moc is passionate, resilient and focused
What is your philosophy of life?
When life gets tough, I get tougher.
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The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
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