On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
November 28, 2024 UK Unveils Africa’s Largest Visa Application Centre in Lagos

UK Unveils Africa’s Largest Visa Application Centre in Lagos

The United Kingdom has officially inaugurated Africa’s largest visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos, Nigeria. This state-of-the-art facility, launched in partnership with VFS Global, aims to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians traveling to the UK.

From November 19, 2024, residents can now book appointments to submit their visa applications at three new VFS Global centres located in Ikeja (Lagos), Victoria Island (Lagos), and Abuja.

Speaking at the opening, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter expressed his delight:
“I am thrilled to witness the launch of the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most valued partners, and we hope VFS Global continues to enhance the visa application experience for travelers to the UK.”

Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), highlighted the significance of the new centre:
“The opening of our VAC in Ikeja is a milestone for UKVI and VFS Global, reflecting our commitment to providing world-class visa services across Africa. In the year ending June 2024, we processed over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals. This new partnership reinforces our dedication to efficiency and accessibility for all applicants.”

Alok Singhal, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, emphasized the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship:
“We are proud to embark on this new chapter with UKVI in Nigeria. Since 2003, our partnership has grown, and we are excited to offer Nigerians top-tier services as they travel to the UK.”

The enhanced visa centres reflect the UK’s focus on improving travel and cultural ties with Nigeria, one of its most significant partners in Africa.

 

November 28, 2024 EFCC to Arraign Yahaya Bello on Fresh Charges Today

EFCC to Arraign Yahaya Bello on Fresh Charges Today

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, is scheduled to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja this morning for arraignment on fresh charges.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to dock Bello on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering before Justice Emeka Nwite, where he is expected to take his plea.

Originally slated for January 27 next year, the arraignment has been rescheduled at the request of the EFCC, following Bello’s recent appearance before the anti-graft agency.

Sources confirm that hearing notices have been served to the legal teams of both the EFCC and the former governor to ensure a smooth legal process.

This marks the second time the EFCC has taken Bello to court. On November 27, he was arraigned before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on a 16-count charge of alleged breach of trust.

Bello pleaded not guilty to those charges and applied for bail to prepare for his defense. Justice Anenih adjourned the bail ruling to December 10, ordering Bello and two co-defendants to remain in EFCC custody pending the decision.

Today’s arraignment adds another chapter to the ongoing legal challenges faced by the former governor as he battles allegations of financial misconduct.

 

November 27, 2024 Court Postpones Ruling on Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants’ Bail to December 10

Court Postpones Ruling on Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants’ Bail to December 10

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on the bail application of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants to December 10.

Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving the alleged misappropriation of ₦110 billion. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were read before Justice Maryanne Anenih.

Following their plea, the defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, requested bail for the accused. However, the EFCC's counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October. Daudu clarified that the relevant bail application, submitted on November 22, pertains specifically to the first defendant, Yahaya Bello, and is supported by a written address and affidavit.

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody pending the court's decision.

The EFCC’s charges mark a significant legal challenge for Bello, who maintains his innocence against the allegations.

READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello and Two Others Plead Not Guilty to EFCC Criminal Charges

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X