News

GICN Accuses Nigeria Police of Witch-Hunt Against President Edward Omaga Over Alleged Corruption Exposure

Published

5 months ago

December 31, 2024

By Comfort Olayinka

The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force for declaring its president, Barr. Edward Omaga, wanted over alleged criminal defamation and other charges.

GICN alleges the police’s actions are a deliberate attempt to silence whistleblowers following the group’s exposure of corruption within Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

Despite taking legal action to address the issue, the police reportedly went as far as watch-listing Omaga’s passport, blocking his bank accounts, and publicly declaring him a criminal.

GICN insists that the charges are an abuse of power and a tactic to suppress activism and cover up corruption.

“Rather than call the group to write a statement in support of the report, the Police acting through DCP Ibrahim Zungura sent an invitation letter dated 10th October 2024 to Barr. Edward Omaga, asking him to come and answer questions connected to his commission of the offences of Criminal Defamation, Cyberbullying, Economic Sabotage, and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace. This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted.”

“With this development, GICN and its leadership felt threatened that injustice was looming. They quickly filed court cases to wit; GICN Vs. CBN & 7 Ors. – SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1549/2024, GICN Vs. IGP – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/742/24, EDWARD OMAGA Vs. DIG & 6 Ors. – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1588/24 and EDWARD OMAGA v. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & 2 Ors. – Suit No. CV/5181/2024. “

“Despite the fact that these cases were served on all parties, the Police went ahead to take so many illegal actions. First, they watch-listed the International Passport of Barr. Edward Omaga and blocked his bank accounts. Then they proceeded to declare him wanted in the media today as if he was a common criminal. “

“No doubt, the present ordeal of Barr. Edward Omaga in the hands of Police reflects a typical scenario where corruption fights back with vigour. In a country like Nigeria where those in power can easily manipulate the system to protect their interests, it is not uncommon for whistleblowers and activists to find themselves on the receiving end of threats, intimidation, and in some cases, prosecution. “

“The allegations contained in the GICN’s report are not trivial; they concern the integrity of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and its top executives. In any functioning democracy, such allegations would prompt a serious and independent investigation to ascertain their veracity or otherwise. “

“Nigeria is not a banana republic where the rule of law can be easily trampled upon. Whistleblowers and activists play a vital role in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability. Therefore, any attempt to breach their fundamental rights must be frontally resisted. Let it be known that GICN will immediately take appropriate steps to quash the illegal actions of the Police both in Nigerian and ECOWAS Courts. “

“The case of corruption fighting back is not new, but it is one that we must continually resist. The power of the people when united is greater than the people in power. As long as there are those willing to speak out against injustice, there will always be hope for a better Nigeria. We call on other sister Civil Society Organizations and Media Outfits to join us in this campaign for justice. Today, it is Barr. Edward Omaga being hunted down, tomorrow it could be any other citizen of Nigeria.”

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Business

Bilateral Boost: Nigeria, Italy Forge Path to Shared Prosperity

Published

1 hour ago

May 22, 2025

The Gleamer

Maryam Aminu

Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has described the country as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, as Nigeria and Italy take bold steps toward deepening economic and trade relations.

Speaking at the first Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 (NIIS 2025), themed “Building Bridges: Unlocking Opportunities,” Abbas, represented by Hon. Afuope Afolabi, emphasized Nigeria’s large population, dynamic market, and resource-rich economy as key assets for global investors.

“Italian enterprises have found fertile ground in Nigeria, and we in turn have benefited from these investments,” Abbas said, calling for a reimagined approach to bilateral cooperation through targeted investments in agriculture, energy, oil and gas, agro-processing, and solid minerals.

The summit organized by Giant Gee Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Italian Embassy served as a high-level platform for fostering investment-driven dialogue and strategic partnerships.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, echoed the sentiment, stating, “These are two nations with immense potential. This summit is not just about investment; it’s about aligning values and mutual economic ambition.”

Italian Deputy Ambassador Mr. Lacopo Foti described the gathering as a celebration of shared values, trust, and commitment to sustainable development. “Italy’s cultural heritage and technological expertise make it a natural partner for Nigeria,” he noted.

With 2024 trade volumes between the two countries reaching approximately €2.5 billion, stakeholders expressed optimism that NIIS 2025 would spark greater collaboration and unlock long-term opportunities to transform both economies and improve livelihoods.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Giant Gee Nigeria Ltd, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu, said the summit aims to revitalize the bilateral business relationship between Nigeria and Italy.

“By fostering these strategic partnerships, the summit aims to not only solidify existing trade relations but also to discover new avenues for joint innovation and development.” He added

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