Connect with us

News

Binance executives to be charged for money laundering

Avatar

Published

on

Subject to no alterations, the Abuja Federal High Court has arranged the appearance of two Binance executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, for Thursday.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla will face charges before Justice Emeka Nwite on separate accusations. One filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerns money laundering and comprises five counts. The other charge, by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), encompasses four counts, alleging various tax violations.

Anjarwalla, who evaded custody on March 22, will be presented before Justice Nwite in his absence.

The EFCC, in its indictment filed on March 28, alleges that the Binance executives laundered approximately $35.4 million.

In the first count of the charges, the defendants are accused of engaging in specialized financial activities without a valid license between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja. The EFCC asserts that this contravenes Section 57(1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and is punishable under Section 57(5) of the same Act.

Advertisement

Regarding the FIRS charge, filed on March 22 under reference FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, the defendants are accused of committing the offense around February 1 this year. In the first count, they are charged with failing to register with the FIRS to pay applicable taxes while operating and offering services to subscribers on their platform (Binance).

The FIRS contends that this act violates Sections 8 and 29 of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act of 1993 (as amended), Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act, 2007 (as amended), and Section 94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended).

On March 18, Justice Nwite had instructed Binance to furnish the EFCC with comprehensive data or information concerning all those trading on its platform from Nigeria. This interim order was granted in response to an ex-parte motion filed by EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, to facilitate the investigation into alleged money laundering and terrorism financing activities purportedly being facilitated on Binance’s platform.

News

Minimum wage: Soludo tackles Ajaero, denies inciting other governors

Avatar

Published

on

The Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described allegations by the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, that he was inciting other governors against accepting N70,000 minimum wage as false.

Comrade Ajaero made the accusation during an interview on national TV.

In a press statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo denied that he was running an anti-workers government in Anambra, while also listing his numerous achievements for workers in the state.

According to the statement: “The state government wishes to categorically debunk these allegations.

“In fact, at no time did Governor Soludo incite or influence other state governors against paying the proposed N70,000 minimum wage.

Advertisement

“The government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has enjoyed a smooth and cordial relationship with the labour leaders in Anambra State, even as at the time of issuing this statement, no letter of notice of industrial action has been received by the state government.”

Governor Soludo urged NLC and all workers in the state to disregard such allegations and recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.

He said the proposed strike was unnecessary and counterproductive at this juncture, as it might seem like the NLC leadership is being politically influenced by desperate external actors to orchestrate an artificial industrial crisis in Anambra State.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Lagos court jails medical doctor, Anuoluwapo Adepoju over failed plastic surgery

Avatar

Published

on

The Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, founder of MedContour Services, for a botched plastic surgery that led to the death of Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020. Justice Mohammed Liman sentenced her to one year in prison but offered an alternative of a ₦100,000 fine.

Babatunde Irukera, former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), expressed his satisfaction with the verdict on his X handle. He wrote, “Today is a proud day for me as I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Although I have left, the conviction underscores the importance of accountability for everyone in society, professionals included. This is how society should function and evolve. Anu Adepoju and her practice were convicted on all five counts charged by FCCPC. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but perseverance is key. A good day for consumers of professional services.”

Continue Reading

News

NCC warns Nigerians against use of pre-registered SIM cards

Avatar

Published

on

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, emphasizing that this practice is illegal and could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The NCC warned that individuals using pre-registered SIM cards might unintentionally become involved in crimes such as identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Furthermore, the NCC noted that pre-registered SIM cards compromise the accuracy of consumer information and hinder efforts to track criminals effectively. Using these SIM cards undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the true criminals.

The NCC’s message aims to educate the public on the risks associated with pre-registered SIM cards and to encourage adherence to legal guidelines to enhance national security.

Continue Reading

Trending