The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) views with grave concern the misrepresentation of the reaction of its counsel, Larry Peters Aso, to the judgment delivered by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by legal practitioner Dr Ted Iseghoi-Edwards.

The judge reportedly cleared Iseghoi-Edwards of alleged fraud relating to services rendered to the nation’s 774 local government councils. He also disagreed with the EFCC’s position regarding its investigation report on the London-Paris Club refunds.

Reacting to the judgment, Aso thanked the judge for his industry in attending to the matter and stated that the EFCC would apply for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment “and study it to know the necessary steps to take.”

He did not make any statement about an EFCC report from 2024 concerning allegations that Iseghoi-Edwards “fraudulently obtained the judgments, because he instituted proceedings against the Federal Government in the United States.”

Additionally, claims that Aso said the report was prepared under pressure from higher authorities “after Iseghoi-Edwards assigned his promissory notes to third parties in the United States, where they threatened to sue the Federal Government” are entirely mischievous and amount to deliberate character assassination.

This framing was intended to insinuate that extraneous influences affected the matter, which was not the case.

The record of proceedings from Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when the judgment was delivered, can be accessed to verify Aso’s reaction.

The Commission urges the media to be more objective in reporting court proceedings in the interest of justice.

Building on its support for ART X Lagos’ landmark tenth anniversary, the Bank continues its partnership with the fair, championing African artistic excellence, cultural heritage and emerging creative talent.

Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative and cultural landscape through its continued sponsorship of ART X Lagos 2026, taking place from November 5-8, 2026, at Federal Palace, Lagos.

Building on its support for the fair’s landmark tenth-anniversary edition in 2025, the Bank returns as a Silver Sponsor for the 11th edition, reinforcing its commitment to platforms that celebrate African artistic excellence, preserve cultural heritage and create opportunities for emerging creative talent.

Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig in 2016, ART X Lagos is a leading international cultural platform dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Through its multidisciplinary programming, the fair has become an important platform for connecting artists, galleries, collectors and cultural institutions while promoting African creativity on the global stage. Since its inception, ART X Lagos has brought together artists and galleries from over 70 countries, welcoming participants from 170 nations worldwide.

The 11^th edition of ART X Lagos will hold under the theme: A New Chapter, A New Decade, reflecting on the artists, architects, educators and thinkers who shaped modernism in Nigeria. The theme explores how cultural inheritance can inspire new forms of artistic expression and possibilities for the future.

Zenith Bank Plc is set to launch the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to dream boldly, develop the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the future.

The event, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is the brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s history and a strong advocate for girl-child education and empowerment. The event will be held virtually on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., a day after the International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11.

The programme, which will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished experts in various fields, seeks to provide girls with the inspiration, knowledge and practical perspectives needed to navigate their education and careers, while exposing them to opportunities in skills development, mentorship and leadership. As an annual platform, it will encourage girls to recognise their potential, broaden their aspirations and equip themselves to make informed choices about their future.

The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to women and girls, demonstrated through programmes and platforms including the Bank’s annual International Women’s Day Seminar, its sole sponsorship of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative. These complement the Bank’s women-focused financial solutions, including the Z-Woman initiative, an empowerment programme that supports women-owned and women-led businesses through specialised funding, capacity building and networking. Together, these initiatives reflect the Bank’s broader commitment to supporting women and girls at different stages of their lives, and to contributing meaningfully to national development.

This maiden edition is open to all, with girls, parents, educators and other members of the public invited to participate. Interested participants can register via the link below. Those unable to join via Zoom can follow the live stream on Zenith Bank’s social media platforms.

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AhU2FESLzXuo9VUK0jA1HzBmWCpvvDtRdcYMObih7zgSUjKEyTFs~AlKZVoKpnzFj0-Gs0a5KJNz9_lzYA2oDrpUePQJtAte6EPk4smEHGNT-Lg