There are reports of a violent clash between the Nigerian Army troops and bandits led by the notorious Bello Turji in the Sabon Birni area of Sokoto State.

The ongoing confrontation has disrupted normal life in the region, with travel between key towns now deemed unsafe.

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Abdulsalam Suleiman Izuagbe, a senior consultant and public affairs analyst, disclosed on Thursday that the situation has deteriorated, making the Shinkafi to Sabon Birni route perilous for travelers.

“There is a war going on in Sabon Birni; Bello Turji is facing the Nigerian Army as I speak to you,” Izuagbe said.

“They are exchanging fire in the Sabon Birni area. From Shinkafi to Sabon Birni is no longer safe for anybody to travel. To think it’s a normal business as usual is missing the point.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, had not responded to calls or text messages seeking comment.

The clash marks a continuation of the violence in the region, where Turji’s criminal group has been wreaking havoc.

Local authorities are expected to provide more information as the situation evolves.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants in a corruption case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case, initially scheduled for hearing, has been rescheduled for November 27, 2024, following an EFCC request to allow the full 30-day window from the initial summons to expire.

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The EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, informed Justice Maryann Anenih that proceeding before the expiration of the summons period, issued on October 3rd, would be premature.

“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running,” Agoro said, noting that the prosecution and defense had agreed to reconvene later in the month.

He also explained that the previously scheduled date of November 20th was inconvenient for the prosecution team.

The court also approved the EFCC’s request to serve a notice of hearing at the last known address of the former governor.

This, according to Agoro, was necessary to ensure compliance with court protocols.

Counsel for Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, did not object to the EFCC’s application.

Representing Oricha, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Aliyu Saiki confirmed that his client had been granted administrative bail and agreed to the adjournment request.

ZE Abass, counsel for Hudu, also assented to the new date.

After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih approved the EFCC’s adjournment request and issued the notice for the hearing.

“I have considered the application for adjournment by the complainant and issuance of hearing notice and the submission by the second and third defendants. The application is granted,” she ruled.

Bello, alongside Oricha and Hudu, faces a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, marking a significant corruption case involving allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office during his tenure as governor.

The court is set to formally arraign the defendants on November 27th.

In an ongoing high-profile money laundering case against former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Bureau de Change (BDC) operator Ayuba Tanko took the stand on Wednesday, shedding light on alleged financial transactions tied to Obiano’s administration.

The trial is being held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo.

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Tanko, who testified as the fifth prosecution witness (PW-5) led by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), revealed that between April and December 2017, a total of N416 million was funneled into an account he managed via proxy for business operations.

According to his testimony, this amount was converted to an equivalent of $1.137 million and returned in U.S. dollars in multiple tranches.

“I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange — USDs, Euros, and pounds sterling,” said Ayuba, explaining his business and how he sources clients to facilitate foreign exchange transactions for a commission.

He said he used two companies, Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd, for these operations.

Ayuba disclosed that he was contacted by the EFCC in 2023 to provide details on transactions conducted through Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account with a commercial bank.

When questioned about the specific amount handled in 2017, Ayuba confirmed, “The total money I received during that period was N416 million. And I gave a dollar equivalent as $1,137,000.00.”

During cross-examination, Obiano’s lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) questioned whether Ayuba had dealt with Obiano directly.

Ayuba clarified, “I did not deal directly with the defendant,” indicating the transactions were conducted through proxies rather than direct communication with the former governor.

The EFCC also presented testimonies from three bankers, providing additional context to the alleged financial transactions.

Justice Ekwo, after hearing the testimonies and cross-examinations, adjourned the case until February 24, 25, and 26, 2025, when the trial is set to resume.