Crime
Enugu Company Fingered As W’Bank detects $32m Water Project Fraud
The World Bank has identified $32m in unaccounted funds in a Nigerian water sector project, raising concerns over likely embezzlement and mismanagement.
According to the newly released FY2024 Sanctions System Annual Report, the Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (referred to as ‘INT’ in the report) flagged the discrepancies after a forensic review.
The funds, intended to bolster water infrastructure, were not adequately accounted for, prompting an intervention to safeguard the project’s integrity.
In a decisive move to mitigate risks, the World Bank engaged with the project team, including Nigeria’s Task Team Leader, Operations Manager, and Financial Management Specialist.
The bank recommended steps to recover the funds and prevent further losses. Consequently, the Central Bank of Nigeria has been asked to reimburse $22m, while $6m remains in the project account to cover anticipated operational expenses.
The bank has also limited the project’s financial operations to direct payments to curb further irregularities.
A copy of the report obtained by Sunday PUNCH read, “INT followed up on risks identified regarding a project in Nigeria’s water sector and flagged to operations the risk, which was associated with $32m of unaccounted funds.
“INT met with the Task Team Leader, Operations Manager, Programme Leader, and Financial Management Specialist to identify steps to reduce the risk of embezzlement. As a result, the project team asked the Central Bank (of Nigeria) to reimburse the full amount ($22m) and limited the remainder of the project to direct payments.
“The local account remained with about $6m in undisbursed balance, a little more than the anticipated PIU expenses for the remainder of the project.”
Further investigations showed that the World Bank has imposed a 1.5-year debarment with conditional release on a Nigerian engineering firm and its managing director for fraudulent practices in the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project.
This decision follows an investigation by the bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency, which uncovered instances of misrepresentation during the bidding and execution phases of the project.
A document from the World Bank obtained by Sunday PUNCH provided more information on the project, noting, “This case arises in the context of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (the “Project”) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The project sought to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds in Nigeria. On April 16, 2013, Nigeria entered into a financing agreement with IDA for an amount equivalent to Special Drawing Rights (‘SDR’) 321.4m (approximately $500m at the time of signature) to support the project.
“Simultaneously, the bank and Nigeria entered into two grant agreements under the Global Environment Facility and the GEF Special Climate Change Fund, for $3.96m and $4.63m, respectively, to support the project.
“On February 12, 2019, the bank provided additional financing to Nigeria in the amount of SDR 208.7m (equivalent to $300m), plus a Scale-up Facility Additional Credit in the amount of $100m. The project became effective on September 16, 2013, and closed on June 30, 2022.”
The NEWMAP project, financed by the International Development Association and supported by the Global Environment Facility, was designed to reduce soil erosion in targeted Nigerian sub-watersheds.
The $900m project spanned multiple states, including Abia, where the firm under scrutiny was contracted.
The engineering firm, part of a joint venture, was awarded a $1.22m contract in 2015 to provide design and supervision services for erosion control.
The investigation revealed that during the selection process, the firm misrepresented the availability of key staff and the role of one of its JV partners.
Also, during project implementation, the firm replaced key personnel without notifying the project management unit, violating contract terms.
The investigation uncovered that two key staff members listed in the firm’s proposal were unavailable during the project.
The firm’s managing director admitted during the hearing that the staff’s availability was never confirmed before submission.
This act constituted a fraudulent misrepresentation, according to the World Bank’s Consultant Guidelines.
The firm also falsely claimed that a JV partner actively participated in the project.
While the partner was listed in the proposal, it neither contributed to the work nor received payment for its involvement.
The firm’s justification that the partner was included for its political connections was deemed unsubstantiated by the World Bank.
The firm and its managing director are barred from participating in any World Bank-financed projects for a minimum of 1.5 years.
This sanction extends across the World Bank Group and may be enforced by other multilateral development banks under a cross-debarment agreement.
The document read, “The Respondent Firm, together with any entity that is an Affiliate directly or indirectly controlled by the Respondent Firm, shall be ineligible to (i) be awarded or otherwise benefit from a Bank-financed contract, financially or in any other manner; (ii) be a nominated sub-contractor, consultant, manufacturer or supplier, or service provider of an otherwise eligible firm being awarded a Bank-financed contract; and (iii) receive the proceeds of any loan made by the Bank or otherwise participate further in the preparation or implementation of any Bank-Financed Projects.”
It added, “the Respondent Managing Director, together with any entity that is an Affiliate that he directly or indirectly controls, shall be ineligible to (i) be awarded or otherwise benefit from a bank-financed contract, financially or in any other manner; (ii) be a nominated sub-contractor, consultant, manufacturer or supplier, or service provider of an otherwise eligible firm being awarded a Bank-financed contract; and (iii) receive the proceeds of any loan made by the Bank or otherwise participate further in the preparation or implementation of any Bank-Financed Projects.”
Reinstatement after the debarment period is contingent on the firm implementing compliance measures, including the establishment of an integrity compliance program.
Further checks by Sunday PUNCH showed that a firm, Diyokes Consultants Limited, based in Enugu State, Nigeria was declared ineligible by the World Bank for a period of 1.5 years (from March 11, 2024, to September 10, 2025) for fraudulent practices.
The individual associated with the same firm, Innocent Diyoke, shared the same ineligibility period and grounds for sanction.
Both the firm and individual were linked to fraudulent activities uncovered in connection with the World Bank-financed project.
It was earlier reported that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, secured loans worth $6.45bn from the World Bank in just 16 months.
The amount increased to the new figure following the recent approval of three new loans totalling $1.57bn from the World Bank for various projects in Nigeria and is expected to increase further in the coming months.
This was as the international lender approved no fewer than 36 loan requests to the Federal Government, amounting to a substantial total of $24.09bn within five years.
These approvals, aimed at financing various development projects nationwide, arrive alongside increasing concerns about the country’s escalating debt profile, prompting questions about the sustainability of these financial commitments and their potential long-term effects on the economy.
Some of the projects under Tinubu include loans for power ($750m), women empowerment ($500m), girl’s education ($700m), renewable energy ($750m), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5bn) and resource mobilization reforms ($750m).
For many Nigerians, long years of infrastructure decay and increased unemployment have triggered an increased feeling of bitterness whenever they hear the government’s intention to borrow.
Although some of them realistically agree that resources are thin, considering an outsized population; however, they believe the past borrowings have not been justified.
Crime
Enugu Student Stabbed to Death by Friend Over Phone Dispute
A tragic incident has occurred in Enugu State after a 16-year-old student, Chibueze Odo, was allegedly stabbed to death by his friend and roommate following a disagreement over a mobile phone.
Chibueze, a Senior Secondary School student of Ugbaike Technical Secondary School, Enugu-Ezike, in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, was reportedly killed on Saturday evening in Obollo Afor, where he was also serving as a part-time apprentice.
According to reports, the suspect, identified as Arinze, allegedly invited the deceased to a location in Obollo Afor before attacking him. The victim sustained fatal stab wounds to the neck and died at the scene.
The suspect reportedly told police investigators that Chibueze had previously lost his phone, prompting him to lend the deceased a faulty spare phone for repairs and temporary use.

The deceased
He claimed that when he later requested the phone back, Chibueze demanded reimbursement of N14,500, covering repair costs and the purchase of a memory card.
Arinze allegedly told police that an argument ensued when he asked for the phone and Chibueze insisted on receiving the money before returning it.
According to the suspect’s account, he stabbed Chibueze after the disagreement escalated.
Sources close to the victim’s family said Chibueze, who hailed from the Ukwuagbudu area of Ugbaike, had left his workplace after being invited to the meeting where he was attacked.
The sources further disclosed that the suspect is believed to be from the neighbouring Umuogbo Inyi community in Enugu-Ezike.
Family members said the deceased was accompanied by two others, including his elder brother, Nnanna, shortly before the incident occurred.
The body of the victim has been deposited at Dr. Eze Mortuary in Obollo Afor for an autopsy, while police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The tragic killing has sparked grief and outrage within the community, with residents calling for justice for the deceased student.
Crime
Suspected Terrorists Attack Kebbi Community, Kidnap Resident
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed an attack by suspected terrorists on Tsamiya Town and deployed tactical personnel to the area to restore security and maintain law and order.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the attackers reportedly invaded the community in the late hours of Saturday, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to the statement, the assailants set ablaze a makeshift checkpoint belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). They also attacked a local brothel and the residence of one Sule Mai Goge.
During the incident, a resident identified as Alhaji Yusuf Bazamfare was reportedly kidnapped by the attackers.
The police spokesperson disclosed that upon receiving reports of the attack, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected area to safeguard lives and property.
He added that a comprehensive investigation into the incident has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Command assured residents of Tsamiya and surrounding communities that security operations would continue until normalcy is fully restored and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Crime
Anambra Police Arrest Parents After Lifeless Twin Infants Found Dumped in Gutter
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the suspected parents of twin infants whose lifeless bodies were discovered in a drainage channel in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic discovery was made on Sunday following information provided by concerned residents who alerted the police about the abandoned bodies.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the development as a disturbing act of inhumanity and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life.
He commended officers attached to the Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters for their swift response and diligent investigation, which led to the arrest of the biological parents of the deceased infants shortly after the report was received.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives received information in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2026, about the discovery of two lifeless infant twins abandoned in a drainage channel along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi, Okpoko.
“Following the report, operatives immediately swung into action, secured the scene, gathered vital evidence, and commenced investigations,” Ikenga stated.
He added that preliminary investigations led to the identification and arrest of the infants’ biological parents, who are currently in police custody and assisting investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Condemning the act, CP Orutugu stressed that every child deserves protection, care, and the opportunity to live, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
“The Command remains committed to a thorough investigation of the matter, and further developments will be communicated in due course,” the police spokesperson said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Crime
Court Grants Anambra Native Doctor N50 Million Bail, One Surety
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka on Friday granted bail to a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afuluanya,” in the sum of N50 million.
Recall that Ezenagu reported slumped during one of the Court sessions which stalled hearing for a period.
The Homeland Security Special Court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, granted the defendant bail with one surety in like sum and ordered him to deposit the title documents of his residence with the court as part of the bail conditions.
The court further ruled that the property would be forfeited to the Anambra State Government should the defendant abscond from trial.
Justice Obiora also directed Ezenagu not to grant media interviews or make comments to the press while the matter remains before the court.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra State, Mr Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), who is leading the prosecution, stated that the defendant is facing charges relating to the alleged violation of provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from allegations that Ezenagu engaged in activities contrary to the provisions of the law, which was enacted to strengthen security and curb criminal activities in the state.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 3, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
Ezenagu was arrested by the Anambra State Government on March 12 during a crackdown on traditionalists and native doctors suspected of preparing charms and other spiritual protections for criminals operating within the state.
His arrest formed part of the government’s broader efforts to combat insecurity and dismantle networks allegedly linked to criminal activities across Anambra.
Crime
26-year-old girl commits suicide after multiple abortions
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
A 25-year-old woman is suspected to have died by suicide after reportedly undergoing three consecutive abortions in Anambra State.
The deceased, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was said to have left behind a note in which she mentioned a man identified only as Chigozie, believed to be her boyfriend and the person who allegedly impregnated her on multiple occasions.
The incident, which occurred in Onitsha, has prompted an investigation by the Anambra State Police Command.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed concern over what he described as the growing moral and social challenges confronting society. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the commissioner called on parents and guardians to play more active roles in the upbringing and emotional well-being of their children and wards.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has expressed deep concern over the increasing level of moral decadence and other disturbing incidents being recorded in society, describing the trend as worrisome and a collective challenge requiring urgent attention from families, communities, religious institutions and relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
According to the police, the woman was found dead on June 18, 2026, in circumstances suggesting a suspected suicide.
“A note suspected to be a suicide message was also recovered at the scene with a disturbing narrative of a relationship breakup after having three abortions for an unidentified man named Chigozie,” the statement added.
While emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death, the police commissioner said the incident highlights the need for stronger parental guidance, moral upbringing, and emotional support systems for young people.
Orutugu urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the emotional well-being, social interactions, and behavioural changes of their children, noting that many societal challenges could be mitigated through effective parenting, open communication, and the promotion of sound moral values.
He also called on community leaders, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to intensify mentorship and advocacy programmes aimed at promoting positive values, resilience, and responsible living among youths.
The commissioner further directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a thorough and discreet investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address emerging social issues affecting public safety and societal well-being.
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