Latest news with #BobOshodin
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time Business News
No Trial, No Justice: The 10-Year Legal Limbo of Bob Oshodin
For a nation that prides itself on democracy and the rule of law, Nigeria's treatment of Bob Oshodin stands in stark contradiction to both. For over a decade, the businessman has endured the weight of public accusations, official detainment, and reputational destruction—all without ever standing trial or being found guilty of a crime. The EFCC has had ten years to prosecute him, yet has failed to present evidence or begin discovery proceedings. Oshodin was contracted by the federal government during President Goodluck Jonathan's administration to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-militants in the Niger Delta. His facility provided vocational training to dozens, all under the full knowledge and oversight of federal authorities. The project was inspected, certified, and ultimately endorsed. This wasn't backdoor corruption; it was public service, carried out under contract. The witch-hunt began when President Buhari's administration launched a sweeping probe of contracts issued under Jonathan's government. Without distinction between fraudulent actors and legitimate businesspeople, the EFCC cast a wide net. Oshodin, despite his clean records and international financial transparency, was labeled a suspect and publicly condemned—without trial. While the Nigerian state stalls, the human toll grows. His wife, Mimie Oshodin, was detained for months and is now being forced to report to EFCC offices in a distant city every month, despite there being a closer office in her hometown. This is not due process—it is psychological warfare. Bob Oshodin deserves more than endless accusations. He deserves a fair hearing or a formal apology. But what he cannot endure any longer is the weaponization of justice against citizens whose only crime was to do business during the wrong political era. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
What the World Needs to Know About the Bob Oshodin Case
For readers unfamiliar with Nigeria's complex political landscape, the name Bob Oshodin may only appear in the context of corruption headlines. But a closer look reveals a very different story—one of a businessman ensnared in political retaliation, not financial fraud. Oshodin's company was contracted to train former militants in the Niger Delta under a formal agreement with the Nigerian government. His work was thoroughly documented, reviewed by government officials, and positively assessed. Yet, following a change in government, he was accused of money laundering in what many legal experts now consider a baseless, politically motivated charge. The Nigerian EFCC alleges that funds were misappropriated—but fails to mention that those same funds passed through some of the world's most regulated institutions: Citibank and Wells Fargo. No red flags were raised. The IRS taxed the transaction. The U.S. government refused to freeze his assets or comply with Nigeria's extradition request. Instead of justice, the case has become a global embarrassment. For a decade, there has been no court hearing, no trial, no evidence submitted. Meanwhile, Bob Oshodin and his family have been harassed and vilified. His wife was unlawfully detained, denied medical access, and extorted for over ₦200 million—all without formal charges. The international community must understand that not every corruption headline reflects guilt. In this case, it reflects political scapegoating, judicial paralysis, and a dangerous message to future investors: in Nigeria, justice may be less important than politics. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
