₦airaland Forum

Former Kogi Governorship Candidate Denies Fraud Allegations, Says Accusations are Baseless and Malicious

A former Governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, Musa Mubarak Saliu, has strongly denied allegations of fraud leveled against him by Abuja-based business woman, Zainab Abubakar, describing the claims as false, malicious, and entirely lacking in substance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Saliu addressed the allegations made by Abubakar, who accused him of fraudulently allocating real estate properties to her under suspicious circumstances. He dismissed the claims as a “figment of her imagination,” insisting that his record in both politics and business remains clean and unblemished.

“These accusations are entirely baseless and intended to tarnish my reputation. I have never, in my life, been involved in any fraudulent land deals or shady business transactions,” Saliu declared.

Saliu, a prominent political figure in Kogi State and the Managing Director of Emperor City Integrated Limited, expressed deep concern over what he described as an orchestrated attempt to smear his name for personal and financial gain. He challenged Abubakar to provide credible evidence to back her claims.

“I would not have responded to these wild and unfounded allegations if not for the need to set the record straight and prevent the public from being misled. It is important to note that truth will always prevail over lies,” he added.

The businesswoman had claimed that Saliu and his companies, Emperor City Integrated Limited and Almubee Group, defrauded her and several other clients by allegedly collecting funds under false pretenses for properties in Abuja, including two units of duplex plots measuring 450 square meters each at Plot 1039, Wuye District and others in Guzape and Katampe Districts.

She further alleged that a payment of ₦50 million was made to Emperor City Integrated Limited’s account with TAJBank in February 2022, yet no corresponding property allocation was honored.

However, Saliu clarified that the transaction was legitimate and conducted in accordance with established business practices. He maintained that any contractual disagreements are currently the subject of legal proceedings, and as such, his company would refrain from commenting further due to the matter being sub judice.

“The matter is already before a competent court of law, and we trust in the judicial process to reveal the truth. We urge Ms. Abubakar and others to refrain from making prejudicial and misleading public statements while the legal process is ongoing.”

Saliu also addressed the allegations that he was invited by law enforcement for questioning, clarifying that such an invitation was routine and resulted in no charges being filed against him.

“If there was any credibility to these claims, I wouldn’t be walking freely or continuing with my public and private engagements. These narratives are clearly driven by ulterior motives.”

He also rejected claims that he established a new company, Dan Arewa Real Estate, to defraud unsuspecting clients following the alleged issues with Emperor City Integrated Limited. Calling the accusations “mischievous and defamatory,” he warned that such statements could attract legal consequences for defamation of character.

In closing, Saliu reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, integrity, and public service, noting that he remains undeterred in his philanthropic efforts, including his support for causes such as the upkeep of the family of the late Nigerian music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad.

“Charity is a calling for me, and no amount of distraction or defamation will stop me from supporting those in need. My conscience is clear, and I will continue to serve the people in whatever capacity I find myself,” he concluded.

Saliu has urged the public to be wary of unfounded allegations, particularly those made without evidence, and to allow the appropriate authorities and judicial bodies to resolve any disputes fairly and transparently.

Activist Calls Out Kogi Socialite Habibat Ahmed For Being A Husband Snatcher

Kogi activist and top media personeel, Hamza Mohammed calls out socialite Habibat Ahmed for trying to snatch someone's husband with charms.

Habibat Ahmed is rumoured to be using Juju to snatch top kogi politician, Emperor Musa Mubarak away from his family.

He told wives to "stay woke" because "girls like Habibat are on the prowl, snatching husbands."

Activist Hamza went further to share a video of Habibat and Emperor Musa Mubarak, together in a car.

Credit: Lokoja Times Facebook Page

Payday, the leading Pan-African neobank issuing global (USD, GBP & EUR) accounts to Africans, has announced its re-entry into Rwanda, following the official launch of SpaceX’s Starlink in the East African country.

The re-entry into Rwanda marks a significant milestone in Payday’s Pan-African and global expansion plans, as well as its burgeoning working relationship as a payment processor for Starlink by SpaceX. Announced in February 2023, Rwandans can purchase Starlink routers from the satellite communications corporation, as the country looks to meet its overall targets for widespread internet connectivity and broadband reach across urban and remote areas.

Payday customers in Rwanda will be able to use their virtual cards to not only pay for the routers, but manage their subscription payments. As with customers in Nigeria, they will also be able to send and receive Rwandan Francs (RWF) as well as USD, GBP, EUR using the Payday App.  

Payday recently announced a $3M seed round aimed at securing operational licensing in the UK and Canada; while laying the foundation for entry into several other countries across Europe and Africa - beginning with Nigeria and Rwanda.

Commenting on the expansion, Payday's CEO Favour Ori said, "We are excited to expand our digital banking services to Rwanda as well as grow our partnership with Starlink. This not only presents an opportunity for us to play a significant role in driving financial inclusion in the country but also contributing to affordable internet connection regardless of location.”

Ori continued “Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for personal and economic growth. We believe in the importance of providing a payment solution that empowers individuals and businesses alike to connect to the digital world and unlock new opportunities for growth and development".

Founded in June 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda, Payday supports African remote workers, freelancers, business owners and digital professionals with frictionless, borderless payments. This enables global payment processing from over 130 countries, allowing Africans to work remotely for international organisations, and be paid and withdraw money in the currency of their choice regardless of location.
 
Acting Chief Investment Officer at Kigali Financial Centre, Jean-Marie Kananura commented on the Rwandian expansion, “We are very happy to witness Payday’s continuous growth. This is a testimony that Kigali International Financial Center has put in place a trusted framework for Rwandan-based startups to raise capital and scale up globally. Ahead of our Inclusive Fintech Forum in June, we aim to highlight these successes that will continuously position Rwanda as the home of fintech on the continent”.

With the country's ambitious target of achieving 90% financial inclusion by 2024, Payday's innovative banking solutions are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal. With this latest launch, Payday is set to increase its customer base and establish a strong presence in Rwanda as well as the East African region.