Wednesday, 22 May 2013
N50 Million Fraud: Delta Tourism Board GM In EFCC Net, Commissioner, RMD Reportedly On The Run
By SaharaReporters, New York
Philo Nkem Ajufo, the acting General Manager of Delta State Tourism Board, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over her role in a financial scheme. Ms. Ajufo is reportedly being quizzed for conniving with her boss, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), to embezzle N50 million from the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr. Mofe Damijo, a well known Nollywood star, is the commissioner in charge of the ministry. Our EFCC said the commissioner was also being sought by the anti-corruption agency, but he has been elusive.
An EFCC source confirmed Ms. Ajufo’s arrest. “As we talk, the Delta State Tourism GM, one Mrs. Nkem Ajufo, is been held in our headquarters here in Abuja over her involvement in the N50 million fraud. Her boss, Mr. Richard Mofe Damijo, is not left out but as we speak he is still avoiding us,” said the source.
Two sources at the ministry told our reporter that the EFCC last week delivered a letter inviting Ms. Ajufo to appear at their headquarters. She was reportedly asked to bring along relevant documents concerning the N50 million that was meant for the purported 2007 Delta Expo event which never held.
The sources disclosed that Mr. Mofe Damijo went underground on learning about the current development.
One source told our reporter that the commissioner, who is reported to be building himself a massive underground edifice in Lagos, was trying to use political contacts in Delta and Abuja to scuttle the EFCC’s investigation and washed his hands off the scam.
SaharaReporters learnt that Mr. Mofe Damijo denied knowledge of the money during the budget defense exercise.
Several calls and sms texts sent to Mr. Damijo and Ms. Ajufo’s mobile lines were not answered. After a while, the commissioner switched off his mobile phone.
Late last year, Saharareporters had broken the news of the N50 million allegedly embezzled by the commissioner and the acting GM of the state’s tourism board.
Several sources in the commissioner’s office had confided that a former commissioner in the Ministry had applied for the N50 million to organize the “Delta State Expo 2007,” disclosing that the state could not release the funds then due to some financial challenges. However, when the funds were released into the Tourism account in May, 2012, Mr. Mofe Damijo allegedly said that the ministry could no longer carry out the event since it had elapsed by six years and Deltans would have forgotten about the event.
But our reporter obtained “Forms of Advance Warrant” on release of funds from the Ministry of Finance indicating that the N50 million was supposed to be spent on the original event for which it was approved. The warrant order, numbered 00000117, 00000114 and 00000115, was signed by one Ms. P.O. Evuojapha for the Commissioner of Finance.
SaharaReporters learnt that N35 million of the N50 million was supposed to have gone to the tourism board.
A reporter for SaharaReporters learned that Mr. Mofe Damijo issued a check to the tourism board in the name of its acting GM, Ms. Ajufo. She in turn reportedly deposited the sum into her First Bank private account with account number (3006131619) operated under her name, Nkem Philo Ajufo. Our sources said she and Mr. Mofe Damijo subsequently shared the money.
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The law everywhere says that
Submitted by Iyke Peters (not verified) on February 21, 2013 - 15:51.
The law everywhere says that "One is presumed innocent until proven guilty" but in Nigeria as soon as you are questioned by any arm of the law, "you be thief." What is wrong with us? Why are we throwing mud at RMD and his colleague because EFCC is carrying out an investigation, why cant we wait for the result of the investigation before we condemn these people. That one is questioned or is being looked for by EFCC, as part of an investigation does not make him or her a thief, you bone heads.
No respect for him
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 21, 2013 - 01:50.
When it was convinient, RMD claimed to be Yoruba and when he saw money, he quickly became Asaba man. Talk about a cameleon- ready to take any color for his own comfort. RMD, your fake ass is done.
RMD Oleeeeeee
Submitted by John (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 18:43.
When dis idiot accepted the job the only thing at the back of his mind was to steal i pray make dem catch am and necked for public.
This is the highest Fallace
Submitted by Emilo (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 16:55.
Do you guys really think that 50 million naira would be an issue for someone like RMB. If you believe this then you can believe that Goldie is going to appear in the next BBA edition.
@ AZA : Where's RMD ?
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 15:11.
Seems you're a better investigative reporter than the folks at SR, then where's RMD? What is appaling is you S'Sners ethnic prism thru which you see everything. In this same SR headlines you failed to notice the story about Ikuforiji who's charged by the same EFCC for fraud, instead, your ogogoro headache is caused by your so-called "war of attrition against the South-South minority" by SaharaReporters. Then cure yourself, stop coming here! The story is about RMD stealing fifty-million naira and while his co-conspirator is answering questions about it, he's nowhere to be found. So tell us where he's docking since SR's "poorly investigated news story" is unreliable. Like Deri, Akpos, Oleku & Delta Queen (RIP), you Niger Deltans need 'common sense injection' into your ogogoro-damaged brains. Something's seriously wrong with you fools. Maybe it's the pollution of your enclaves by oil MNC's. You're very sick Aborigines indeed. Animals!
RMD
Submitted by the man (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 14:45.
He can run but cannot hide.RMD u fumble and a disgrace to d youth
Catch'am, Catch'am ...tief, tief, tief !
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 14:01.
Ajibi ole, Ole!
If the arrogant RMD is innocent, why go underground? I never trusted him anyway, thought he lied when he claimed that no money was released to his Ministry. Another creek crook on the run, where's Deri to tell us it's the fault of the Tripod again. Fifty million naira is enough to organize a Fair but he cashed-in and sought to sit out the memory of Naija Deltans, how stupid. The EFCC is a bootleg organization used for political harassment, the State AG should charge him in state courts instead of waiting for mumu Lamorde. After Bankole, Dino, Ikuforiji and RMD, the youth may not be ready for leadership roles afterall. He must be arrested and made to account for the money if they truely transferred it into personal accounts. Thieves ...everywhere you look. No honour ...no hope for the future. Nigeria jaga-jaga indeed!
Animals!
Can't we wait?
Submitted by Uba (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 13:45.
It is really shocking reading everybody throwing mud at RMD and his team just by reading this unconfirmed reports. Cant we wait untill the courts declare them guilty as alluded.
What happens if in the end we all find out that RMD was not part of the deal (if any).
I will advise you to keep
Submitted by Jane june (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 13:06.
I will advise you to keep quiet. Or better still shut your mouth. You are one of those killing this country with your ethnic division.so if SR reports fraud from the south often, are those fraud fictitious? Are The stolen funds ethnic in denomination? Get a grip on ur life retard.
Na only Delta State, Bayelsa & SS,SE money for loss?
Submitted by akpos1 (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 12:45.
Tell us what is happening in Sokoto, Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Bauchi, Benue, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara & all other poor & dependent countries of continent Nigeria.SR can focus its binoculars on d people of d SS & show us photos of their property purportedly gotten through coruption bt they wil never show us those of OBJ, IBB, atiku,abdulsalam, Babalakin, Jimoh Ibrahim etc...Why? Why d selective reporting? This is ‘bad belle journalism’...You went all the way to London & South Africa to show us d cars & houses of Ibori, bt u cannot go2 Egypt, Libya, US, & UK to show us d pictures of d houses of IBB. You cannot drive from NY to Washington & Atlanta to show us the pix of d property of Thief OBJ. Chei! Bad belle no good oh…Just last Month, Ogun state commisioned its first flyover, but SR did not report it. But when Bayelsa “proposed” to build just 2 flyovers, SR then went ahead to call it Green Elephant project...This Journalism of hate will take u nowhere....Long live United SS&SE.
Nooooo!!!!! He is not on the
Submitted by Ogbeni Naija (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 12:18.
Nooooo!!!!! He is not on the run,He is only acting home movie
sometimes you wonder why
Submitted by Udava (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 11:43.
sometimes you wonder why would a man work so hard all his life to earn himself a good name, reputation and honour only to turn around in one day and shred every bit of it, for the sake of mundane things. Its a pity that Mofe is caught up in this frenzy for material agrandisement, or are we saying that that has been life........emmmmm i think i smell a rat.
RMD ? EFCC visit DESOPADEC
Submitted by nancy (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 09:55.
Delta State corruption village is DESOPADEC. If EFCC is serious let them call at Delta State Corruption Village DESOPADEC. Very simple job but it is like EFCC are deliberately avoiding the place. When was the Commision set up? How much funding are they suppose to be getting from the 13% derivation? The answer is 50%. How much have they got to date? Have the correct money been released by Uduaghan to them? If not , Why? Uduaghan should account for it. If all the money has been released to DESOPADEC, they should look into their books to see how the money was spent. EFCC, deltans are watching and waiting patiently and impatiently.
Role modern
Submitted by pitas (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 09:22.
RMD you are suppose to be a role modern to nigerian youth,why are you embarrassing us from delta state.How many international actor of your magnitude has done this kind of thing.am really ashame.....
It is curious that some of us
Submitted by AZA (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 08:58.
It is curious that some of us are already pronouncing RMD guilty on the basis of SR's poorly investigated news story. One is begining to wonder whether SR should not change its name to either 'Delta Reporters' or 'South-South Reporters.' This is precisely because, if it is not Delta State, it is Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa or Cross- Rivers. Are there no governmental activities going on in other states of the federation or has corruption suddenly become the exclusive preserve of the south-south ethnic minorities? Shouldn't there be national coverage in SR's news reporting or is SR's mandate on corruption limited to the south-south?This war of attrition against the south-south minorities seem to raise serious questions about journalistic ethics.To be sure, one is not defending the governments of the south-south states. No! But the point is that it is very misleading for SR to treat corrution as a south-south menance.One sees a clear ethnic agenda here!
rmd
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 08:27.
Forget about the grammatical errors and face the truth bros
YAWA DON GAS.
Submitted by Mr Jerry (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 06:49.
"Goat wey follow dog waka must shop sh*t," so we say in Warri. RMD, I am not judging you yet. Go to EFCC and prove your innocence (if any.) But dis your waka waka with Uduaghan, e get as e be.
ALARM DON BLOW,RICHARD TAKE OFF-NA WAA !!
Submitted by DIASPORA DEMON (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 05:15.
Baba Richie,you for kuku relax for your show-biz career,see wetin langa throat don do your good name.
Where you go run go now?Abi you wan do Ibori style?
See as you follow them turn oloshi overnight,make you sabi say your name dey down,any time revolution start,that your underground house for Eko go get visitors.
A good name is better than silver and gold
Submitted by kingbaabu (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 04:52.
Some have no shame. RMD should be bigger than N50m unfortunately, the man himself doesn't know it. What a shame.
EFCC can seize all RMD
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 04:27.
EFCC can seize all RMD properties both in Lagos and Asaba.. He is a stubborn thief.
I really dont trust that
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 04:23.
I really dont trust that bastard of a boy RMD. He is a known rogue. He married an older woman Mee to defraud her. He inherited all her virtues. How does he own his house in lagos? Now he absconded with the Deltan tax money. What a shame.
nobody takes GEJ serious as
Submitted by babatunde adekitan ogunsanya (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 04:03.
nobody takes GEJ serious as far as fighting corruption is concern pdp,ac are looters ltd.efcc is the facilator window dressing ,showing appearance that they are fighting the cancer
Any Role Model Left In Nigeria????????????????
Submitted by Konkolo (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 03:50.
Am not one known to make sweeping statements. With the current decay in our beloved country, am sorry to say, every serving public official there now is a thief.
Who could have imagined that even RMD will soil his hands with stolen funds. Nigerian youths have to look elsewhere for role models as there are non left in the land. Name one serving current public official from the Presidency to the lowest civil servant that is clean in that messy country.
Fine boy RMD, u fall ma hand.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 03:49.
Fine boy RMD, u fall ma hand. Ole.
Mofe, why now.you are suppose
Submitted by Jon simAnonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 01:59.
Mofe, why now.you are suppose to be above this.enh?
EFCC,EFCC,EFCC...DO YOUR JOB,ARREST MOFE-DAMIJO NOW!!
Submitted by osita DIOKA (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 01:59.
EFCC,this case has been lingering but you go around arresting Yahoo-Yahoo boys.This is the type of crime creating those Yahoo boys so what is the logic in letting the likes of Richard Mofe-Damijo walk free because he has political connections.
The EFCC should stop pussy-footing with this case henceforth,RMD is not hiding,his case is being stalled because he has contacts from powerful places who can obstruct the rule of law with impunity.
Delta State has a high concentration of embezzlers of public funds from top to bottom therefore this case must be followed through,Nigerians are watching.
RMD
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 01:56.
RMD go answer your father name...e2
Akwa Ibom needs EFCC asap
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 01:55.
EFCC , are you afraid of Akwa Ibom? Please enter ministry of finance, accountant general, ssg etc. EFCC, Akwa Ibom people are waiting for you ooo
THIS IS TERRIBLE.RMD OF ALL
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 01:47.
THIS IS TERRIBLE.RMD OF ALL PEOPLE. YOUNG PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF NOT GIVEN THEM CHANCE ,WHEN THEY GIVE THEM CHANCE THEY MESS UP. IT WAS AYO FAYOSE FORMER GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE WAS GIVEN CHANCE AND HE MESSED UP. BANKOLE ALSO A YOUNG MAN MESSED UP NOW RMD.THEIR IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NIGERIA ITS THE PEOPLE IN IT THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE.
Poor reporting
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 20, 2013 - 00:45.
The report states RMD is avoiding the EFCC, but the caption reads RMD on the RUN? I wonder if those respsonsible for these reports are even educated.
