Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to 19 charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges relate to an alleged N80 billion money laundering case.

During Friday’s hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw a prior application seeking an earlier arraignment date. Pinheiro explained that the application was no longer relevant due to recent developments.

The defense team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections, and Justice Emeka Nwite granted the prosecution's request. The case now proceeds to the next stage in court.

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

The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against the management of Julius Berger, a construction company, for repeatedly ignoring invitations to appear before its Committee on Works.

The decision was made on Thursday after Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, raised a motion highlighting the company's consistent failure to honor Senate invitations. Ngwu expressed concern over numerous incomplete and failed contracts associated with Julius Berger across the country, emphasizing the need for an investigation. He accused the company of disregarding the authority of the Senate.

Ngwu referenced the Senate’s constitutional powers to summon individuals or entities for hearings, stating, "If a committee summons any person or entity to come for a committee hearing and that entity does not send a representative or appear in any way, the normal procedure is to report to the presiding officer, who then issues a warrant."

He called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to enforce compliance and compel Julius Berger to appear. Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, supported the motion, citing constitutional provisions and Senate rules that empower the presiding officer to issue warrants of arrest in such cases.

Ningi explained that committees operate under these powers, but the authority to compel attendance rests with the presiding officer and requires the Senate’s collective mandate.

While Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed a differing view, Senate President Akpabio affirmed the Senate's authority to issue the arrest warrant. He referenced relevant sections of the Constitution and Senate rules to justify the action, ensuring Julius Berger’s management would be compelled to address the Senate’s concerns.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that the president’s Renewed Hope agenda is focused on making life easier for all Nigerians.

Bwala highlighted the recent introduction of electronic gates at international airports by the Immigration Service as part of efforts to enhance the travel experience and minimize issues related to human interaction.

According to Bwala, this initiative under Tinubu’s administration represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and improving the overall experience for travelers.

Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Bwala wrote:
“As part of the @officialABAT Renewed Hope promise to Nigerians, the administration’s Immigration Service launches electronic gates at international airports, all in a bid to enhance the travel experience and reduce challenges associated with human contact.

“This innovative move by this government marks a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience of passengers.

“The idea of President Tinubu’s renewed hope is to make life easier for Nigerians in all areas of their endeavors.

“The reforms are yielding some positives already and will only get better in the long run. Let’s keep the hope alive!”

The initiative is part of a broader vision to ensure the president’s reforms deliver measurable improvements across various sectors.