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January 29, 2025 EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: Court Adjourns to April 3 After First Witness Testifies

EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: Court Adjourns to April 3 After First Witness Testifies

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday called its first witness in the 16-count money laundering case against Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State.

The witness, Fabian Nwaora, a real estate businessman, took the stand after Justice Maryann Anenih overruled an objection raised by Bello and his co-defendants, who argued that the EFCC had not provided them with all the necessary evidence for their defense. However, the judge noted that there was no formal application supporting their claim and allowed the trial to proceed.

In his testimony, Nwaora, owner of EFAB Property, detailed how his company sold a property at No. 1 Ikobosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello in 2020 for N550 million. He further explained that in 2023, Bello returned the property’s documents, informing him that the EFCC was investigating the transaction. According to the witness, he was later summoned by the EFCC and instructed to refund the money into an account designated by the anti-graft agency.

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the case to April 3 for further hearing.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial for his alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud case. He is being prosecuted alongside two Kogi State Government officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The charges against them, filed under case number CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The EFCC alleges that Bello used state funds to acquire multiple properties, including:

  • No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million)
  • No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million)
  • No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)
  • Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million)
  • A hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5,698,888)
  • Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)
  • No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)

Additionally, the EFCC accuses the defendants of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and illegally possessing N677.8 million linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

On December 10, 2024, the court ordered Bello’s remand in Kuje Prison, although his co-defendants were granted bail. He was later granted bail himself in the sum of N500 million with three sureties of equal value.

The case continues on April 3.

READ ALSO: FCT High Court Grants Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello N500m Bail

January 29, 2025 Edo Governor Signs Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into Law, Approves 21-Year Jail Term for Offenders

Edo Governor Signs Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into Law, Approves 21-Year Jail Term for Offenders

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, imposing strict penalties, including a 21-year jail term for cultists and their sponsors.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, announced that the previous law had been repealed to introduce tougher measures against cult-related activities. He urged residents to avoid any involvement in secret cults to ensure the peace, growth, and development of the state.

“The Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition Law) 2018 has been repealed and replaced with the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025,” Ikhilor stated. “The new law, effective from January 24, 2025, provides for stricter penalties, including a 21-year jail term for financial and material sponsors of secret cults under Section 5.”

Additionally, Section 6 of the law prescribes a 10-year imprisonment for individuals who knowingly shelter cult members or allow secret cult meetings to take place on their property. Such properties will be confiscated and demolished by the state government.

The law also includes harsher punishments for violent cult-related crimes. Under Section 12, any cultist found guilty of assault, injury, or property destruction in furtherance of cult activities faces 21 years in prison without the option of a fine. In cases resulting in fatalities, perpetrators will be sentenced to death, and their properties will be seized and demolished.

Edo State has been plagued by violent cult clashes, particularly among youths, leading to loss of lives and destruction of valuable properties. This new legislation aims to curb the menace and restore peace across the state.

January 28, 2025 Lagos Assembly to Investigate Obasa for Alleged Fraud Upon Resumption

Lagos Assembly to Investigate Obasa for Alleged Fraud Upon Resumption

The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced that it will wait for former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa's return before deciding on the next course of action, including a potential probe into various allegations against him. This was revealed by the House spokesperson, Olukayode Ogundipe, during an exclusive interview at the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday.

Ogundipe stated that the allegations against Obasa, including accusations of financial mismanagement, would be addressed when he is present at the Assembly. "When he is physically present, those issues will be taken care of," he said, referring to the claims of large sums of money being misappropriated. While the House is unsure of how such records were obtained, they assured that the matter would be thoroughly examined once Obasa returns to his seat.

Regarding the possibility of submitting a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, Ogundipe clarified that decisions would be made after Obasa's return. He hinted that a committee may be set up to look into the matter, but emphasized that the proper procedures would be followed, with the House reacting accordingly at the appropriate time.

The lawmakers had removed Obasa last week, citing corruption allegations. However, Obasa publicly dismissed these claims and insisted his removal was unprocedural, asserting that he remains the legitimate Speaker. "If you want to claim that I’m corrupt, please prove it," he challenged his accusers during a gathering of his supporters on Saturday.

Ogundipe, however, reaffirmed that the removal process was constitutional, stating that the procedure to change the leadership was followed as per the constitution. He also reiterated that Obasa remains part of the Assembly, even after his removal.

Reports indicate that the Assembly did not hold its plenary session on Monday as scheduled. Increased security measures were seen around the Assembly complex, with personnel screening individuals and journalists attempting to enter. The security measures were put in place following Obasa’s comments on Saturday, where he insisted that he remains the Speaker unless the proper process is followed for his removal.

Obasa was removed by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, due to allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement. He was succeeded by Mojisola Meranda, the former deputy speaker, who officially took over the Speaker’s office on Monday. Despite the change in leadership, Obasa did not appear at the Assembly on Monday, though Ogundipe emphasized that the situation within the House remains calm and peaceful, unaffected by external noise.

The rescheduling of the plenary session was reportedly to allow the Assembly members time to settle in and demonstrate a sense of unity and tranquility.

RELATED: Lagos Assembly Impeaches Speaker Mudashiru Obasa

January 28, 2025 Senate President Rejects Post-Retirement Service Extension for Assembly Workers

Senate President Rejects Post-Retirement Service Extension for Assembly Workers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has voiced his opposition to National Assembly management workers seeking service extensions after reaching retirement age, describing the practice as a violation of public service rules.

Akpabio instructed the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to immediately remove such workers from service. He made this statement during a meeting with the outgoing chairman and members of the NASC in his Abuja office.

“Your visit today to notify me of the end of your tenure brings mixed feelings,” Akpabio said. “It’s sad to lose an experienced hand like you, but at the same time, it’s gratifying to see you conclude your tenure successfully after five years.”

He emphasized the importance of addressing lapses observed in recent years and urged the outgoing chairman to ensure a smooth transition as the commission’s Secretary takes over temporarily. Recommendations for a new chairman and members will be made jointly by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

 

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