International
New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicted on federal charges
The 64-year-old mayor, who was elected nearly three years ago with a platform focused on reducing crime, now finds himself at the centre of mounting federal investigations targeting him and several of his top aides.
While the details of the indictment remain sealed, Adams would become the first sitting mayor in the city’s history to face criminal charges.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- School Proprietress Allegedly Killed, Burnt By Son In Delta
- Man Detained for Allegedly Killing Mother, Mutilating Son in Abia
- Fubara Regains Freedom After 11 Days in Captivity
“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target – and a target I became,” Adams said in a statement to the BBC.
“If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”
Federal prosecutors are expected to unseal the indictment on Thursday, coinciding with Eric Adams’ initial court appearance, according to CBS News.
The charges follow a federal investigation that saw agents seize Adams’ electronic devices and raid the home of Brianna Suggs, his chief fundraiser, nearly a year ago.
It was later revealed that the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office is investigating whether Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with the Turkish government to channel illegal donations.
The New York Times reported on Monday that subpoenas were also issued to Adams’ campaign and mayor’s office for information on potential ties to five other countries: Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
Despite mounting pressure for his resignation, including a call from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adams has remained adamant that he will stay in office.
“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. “For the good of the city, he should resign.”
Ocasio-Cortez referenced a recent “flood of resignations and vacancies” that she said were threatening city government’s ability to function.
Adams’ reported indictment follows weeks of escalating federal scrutiny, during which agents seized electronic devices from several key figures linked to him — including schools chancellor David Banks, his brother Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, and his fiancée Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.
FURTHER READING
- Poverty, Hardship: Nigerians Turn To Organ Selling Amid Crisis
- Petrol Price Hike Pushing Nigerians To Breaking Point – NLC, Atiku
- No Mass Resignation Of Soldiers Due To Corruption, Low Morale -Nigerian Army
In an unexpected move, David Banks announced on Tuesday that he would step down at the end of the year. Meanwhile, the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan is investigating another of Adams’ brothers, Terence Banks, for an alleged bribery scheme involving his consulting firm and city contracts.
The probe also extends to Edward Caban, the former New York Police Commissioner, whose twin brother faces bribery allegations. Caban resigned earlier this month, just weeks after federal agents seized his phone. Additionally, federal agents searched the homes of Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon last Friday.
In the last two weeks, Adams’ chief legal counsel and the city health commissioner have also resigned amid growing tensions in the administration.
Adams, only the second Black person to serve as New York City mayor, faces mounting Democratic opposition ahead of his re-election bid next year. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a political ally, has yet to comment on the indictment but has the authority to remove Adams from office. If Adams’ tenure is cut short, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
