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December 19, 2024 FCT High Court Grants Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello N500m Bail

FCT High Court Grants Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello N500m Bail

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the sum of ₦500 million, with three sureties of equal value. This decision follows her earlier rejection of Bello’s bail application on December 10, which she ruled was premature as it was filed before he was in custody or appeared in court.

Bello is currently on trial for alleged money laundering involving ₦110 billion, alongside two co-defendants. He pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

During the latest court session, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, withdrew a further affidavit in response to a counter affidavit from the prosecution, aiming to avoid unnecessary contention. The prosecution, represented by Olukayode Enitan, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal, leading the court to strike out the document.

Daudu informed the court that discussions between the defense and prosecution teams had yielded an agreement to expedite the trial. He urged the court to grant Bello’s bail request and appealed for a review of the bail conditions to allow sureties to present properties located anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than being restricted to Maitama.

Enitan confirmed the prosecution’s cooperation, emphasizing that the decision to grant bail ultimately rested on the court’s discretion. He assured the court that the prosecution would not oppose the process in a way that could delay justice.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih noted that the charges against Bello were bailable and set his bail at ₦500 million. The conditions include three sureties who must be prominent Nigerians owning landed property in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro. Bello is also required to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court. Until he meets the bail conditions, he will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

December 19, 2024 Christmas: Dangote Reduces Petrol Price to ₦899 Per Litre

Christmas: Dangote Reduces Petrol Price to ₦899 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a price reduction of its petrol to ₦899.50 per litre as part of efforts to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. This initiative, the company says, is designed to provide relief for consumers amid the festive period.

In a statement, the refinery’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejina, revealed that consumers purchasing petrol on a cash basis would also have the option to buy an additional litre on credit, supported by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.

“To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our petrol will be available at ₦899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM,” Chiejina said.

This marks the second price reduction by the privately-owned refinery in recent months, following a cut to ₦970 per litre in November.

The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their continued support during the festive season. Chiejina reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing premium-quality petroleum products at competitive prices that are both environmentally and engine-friendly.

He further noted that the refinery’s operations signify a turning point in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, as the country moves away from reliance on substandard and blended imported products that pose significant risks to health, machinery, and the environment. This initiative reflects the company’s dedication to ensuring Nigerians have access to high-quality fuel during a crucial time of the year.

December 18, 2024 Tragedy Strikes: Several Children Feared Dead in Ibadan Carnival Stampede

Tragedy Strikes: Several Children Feared Dead in Ibadan Carnival Stampede

A tragic stampede at a carnival in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, Oyo State, has reportedly claimed the lives of many children. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, with victims rushed to various hospitals across the city.

The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at the time of this report. However, sources indicate that the stampede happened as a crowd tried to gain entry to the venue of a private children's fun fair scheduled for Wednesday. Some parents had arrived with their children as early as Tuesday, leading to a chaotic scene.

Efforts to get a response from the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, were unsuccessful. However, the Oyo State Government has confirmed the incident through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

According to Oyelade, the stampede led to the loss of several lives, mostly children, while others sustained injuries. He added that the state government mobilized a rapid response team to address the situation, and victims were transported to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Parents seeking information about their children have been directed to visit the following medical facilities with valid identification:

  • Patnas Hospital, Basorun
  • Western Hospital, Basorun
  • Ringroad State Hospital
  • Molly Specialist Hospital
  • University College Hospital (UCH)

The Oyo State Government has urged the public to remain calm as authorities work to manage the situation and assist affected families.

December 18, 2024 President Tinubu Submits N47.9tn 2025 Budget Proposal to National Assembly

President Tinubu Submits N47.9tn 2025 Budget Proposal to National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2025 budget proposal of N47.9 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly. Lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate convened on Wednesday to receive the President's second budget submission since taking office.

The President was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other top government officials. The presentation, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was rescheduled to Wednesday following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the meeting, the FEC approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, highlighted key details of the 2025 budget proposal. The expenditure is projected at ₦47.96 trillion, representing a 36.8% increase compared to the 2024 budget. The 2025 Appropriation Bill is based on an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar.

The budget presentation underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and setting the country on a sustainable development path.

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