• Mischief makers accuse fashionable Hajia of complicity in arms purchase scam
• Claims she has refunded N800m she got from ex-NSA
• Oil magnate also fingered in controversial Abuja land swap
By Bunmi Anisulowo
The world of politics is a jungle echoing to the calls of vicious jealousies and ruthless manouverings. In this callous world, tendrils of iniquity and weeds of calumny break out to shunt the growth of many a promising seed. In this jungle of weeds and ill will, Bola Shagaya towers like an elm. There is no gainsaying the oil magnate and bosom friend of former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has been walking in the jungles of politics and business all her life thus her capacity to ride the tide of malicious gossips and unfavourable clime had been effectively honed over the years. However, it is unclear if Shagaya can summon the brilliance and the nerve to ride the storm of malice and political assault currently launched against her person as you read.
Recently, rumour broke out that the CEO of Bolmus International Limited, was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for her complicity in the Samb Dasuki-gate billion dollars arm scam currently rocking the nation to its foundations. The news doing rounds is that, Shagaya allegedly received N800 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Dasuki, during the last general elections. Shagaya allegedly received the money to bribe electoral officers and influence the conduct and outcome of the elections to favour former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The mother of four has allegedly refunded substantial part of the money to the EFCC in her frantic bid to clear her name and avoid prosecution and imminent jail term.
But while the social space obsesses about Shagaya’s alleged complicity in the arms purchase scam, loyalists and friends of the oil magnate have dismissed the allegations against her describing it as the figment of imagination of the ravishing and very brilliant politician’s detractors. Although they have done nothing to dispel claims that the EFCC invited Shagaya as a person of interest in the ongoing investigations, the oil magnate’s friends and loyalists maintain that the rumours about her were borne of malice.
The oil magnate was also fingered in the illicit land swap deal currently being investigated by the nation’s House of Representatives. Recently, the House of Representatives made shocking revelations as it unveiled malpractices in the award and allocation of 7,600 hectares of land to companies and individuals under the land swap programme.
There were cases of unpaid dues and non- compliance with the requirements of the programme.
Shagaya’s Bolmus Nigeria Limited was listed among investor firms that defaulted in transactions and due process in the controversial land swap. Other investors invited by the investigative committee of the House of Representatives include: Urban Shelter Infrastructure Limited; BDG Property Limited; Day Spring Property Limited; Gilmore Nigeria Limited; Dangote Group; Haitong International Nigeria Limited; Deepearth Nigeria Limited; AM-PM Global Network Limited; System Property Development Consortium Limited; Excite Business Facilities Limited and Afri-International Project and Consulting Limited.
Heralded as one of Nigeria’s richest businesswomen, Shagaya, CEO Bolmus International Limited has interests in several sectors, ranging from oil and gas, banking, cash crops export, real estate, fast moving consumer goods (FCMG) and photography.
Shagaya has been a recognizable figure in Nigeria’s corridors of power for decades. In a society dominated by males, Shagaya is a figure blazing the trail for African women in politics and business. Her rise to affluence and power is however, a result of her perseverance and determination to succeed. Shagaya skillfully built her network and wealth from a humble background, and has proven herself as an outstanding power broker with impressive entrepreneurial skills.
