Connect with us

Crime

$9.7m Terror-financing Saga: Court Denies Defendants Bail

Published

on

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,

The Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja has turned down the bail application filed by the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and his co-defendants.

Biztellers reports that they are standing trial over allegations of terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7 million.

In a ruling on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the charges brought against the defendants posed a threat to national security and public safety.

He further stated that terrorism-related offences undermine the nation’s social order and that releasing the defendants on bail ahead of trial could endanger the public.

The court, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the case, noting that while Section 36(5) of the Constitution presumes an accused person innocent until proven guilty, the provision is “not absolutely right.”

“I am not unmindful of the constitutional provision of Section 36(5) which provides that every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until he is proven guilty.

“But I must not hesitate to state that the said constitutional provision is not absolutely right. In the consideration of an application for bail, all factors have to be considered,” Justice Nwite said.

Citing the 2001 case of Bamaiyi v. The State, the judge noted that the Supreme Court held that “it is proper to consider the nature of the offence, the nature of the evidence in support of it, and the severity of the punishment which conviction will entail.”

He said the court had taken these critical factors, including the likelihood of the defendants standing trial, into account, stressing that “these are not matters that should be glossed over.”

He added that, “I cannot say more than this erudite jurist. Our criminal justice system has its stipulations and safeguards for the prosecutor, the accused and the victim.

“In the proper operation of that system, it can be said that it is in the interest of the society, and with those safeguards, that if in an application for bail pending trial there is good reason to believe or strongly agree that the accused will not jump bail, thereby making himself available to stand trial, and/or will not interfere with witnesses thereby constituting an obstacle in the way of justice, the court will be acting within its undoubted discretion to grant bail.

“I have carefully considered the affidavit evidence available before me at this point in time.

“And I have also considered the proof of evidence, especially the statement of Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni and other prosecution witnesses, together with the grave threat to national security and public safety this case poses.

“And I have also taken cognizance that terrorism-related offences threaten social order and that pre-trial release could endanger the public,” the judge said.

“In my view, the prosecution/respondent has succeeded in raising a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility on the part of the applicants (Adamu and co-defendants).

“In view of the foregoing, I am of the humble view, and I so hold, that the interest of justice will be met by giving the matter accelerated hearing.

“Consequently, the application is hereby refused,” he ruled.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter until January 13 for the commencement of trial.

The Commissioner and his co-defendants — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, the 2nd to 4th defendants respectively — were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on a 10-count charge on December 31, 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge had fixed Monday, January 5, for ruling on their bail applications.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.

In count one, Adamu; Sirajo Jaja (then Accountant-General of Bauchi State, now at large); Samaila Irmiya Liman (now at large); Balarabe Ilelah; Aminu Bose; and Kabiru Mohammed (all alleged to be civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government accounts and/or payment instruments) were accused of committing the offence sometime between January and May 2024.

They were alleged to have conspired to provide cash totalling $2,300,000 for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals granted by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the court granted Adamu bail in the sum of N500 million in a separate money-laundering case, with two sureties in like sum.

ALSO READ: INEC Starts Second Phase of Nationwide Voter Registration

The court ordered that the sureties must be landowners in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and that their property documents must be verified by the court registry.

Crime

Navy Uncovers 132,000 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Bonny

Published

on

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered 132,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Allison community, Bonny Local Government Area, Rivers State.

This was detailed in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in which he disclosed that the Forward Operating Base Bonny discovered the stolen crude oil under Operation Delta Sentinel, following actionable intelligence.

He said the operation uncovered 10 dugout pits, adding that the site and the recovered products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.

“The operation reinforces the importance of intelligence-led action in identifying concealed petroleum stockpiles and disrupting the infrastructure that enables crude oil theft and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products.

“The Nigerian Navy will sustain efforts to locate and dismantle illegal refining infrastructure and disrupt the networks facilitating crude oil theft across the Niger Delta,” the statement said.

READ ALSO: FCT Motorists, Commuters Divided over NNPC Petrol Discount

The Navy urged community leaders, residents, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to promptly report crude oil theft, illegal refining, suspicious petroleum storage and the unauthorised movement of petroleum products to the nearest security agency.

Timely, credible information, the statement said, could enable swift intervention and prevent illicit activities from expanding.

“Safeguarding the nation’s critical petroleum assets requires vigilance and active cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve. The Navy therefore urges the public to remain alert and support lawful efforts to protect national resources,” Folorunsho concluded.

Continue Reading

Crime

Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnap, Rape of 14-Year-Old Student

Published

on

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after reportedly collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from the victim’s father.

The suspect was arrested on October 23, 2026, following investigations into the incident, which was reported to the Sapele Area Command on October 20 by the victim’s father.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, and dated October 25, 2026.

SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Ex-Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Is Dead

According to the police, the father alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school. The suspect reportedly contacted him afterward, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.

After the payment was made, the victim was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road in Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced investigations, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The police also invited the school’s principal and vice principal for questioning as investigations continued.

The suspect reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled after the incident. However, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives traced him to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, according to the police.

The command said arrangements were underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the alleged crime and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to “protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.”

He also assured the public that “investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice.”

Erale further called on school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children, stressing that “the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.”

 

 

Continue Reading

Crime

Two Suspected Political Thugs Killed After Attacking NDC Candidate’s Convoy in Ebonyi

Published

on

Two suspected political thugs have reportedly died following an attack on the convoy of Rollins Offia Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Nwali’s motorcade was returning from Amazekewe community, according to a report published by SaharaReporters on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Security sources told the publication that the attackers allegedly opened fire on the candidate’s convoy, prompting security personnel attached to him to return fire after ensuring the safety of Nwali and his team.

SEE ALSO: NDC Withdraws Recognition of Diaspora Chapters Over Court Rulingq

One of the suspected attackers reportedly died at the scene, while the second was said to have died later in hospital. One of the deceased was identified as Jude Nwamgbada.

The attackers were alleged to have been armed with AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns.

However, the identities and political affiliations of the attackers could not be independently verified as of the time of the report.

NDC Candidate Confirms Attack, Says Hilux Was Burnt

Nwali confirmed the incident in a statement shared on his Facebook page, disclosing that his Toyota Hilux was set ablaze during the attack.

He expressed gratitude to security agencies for ensuring the safety of everyone in his convoy.

“My motorcade was attacked today by armed hoodlums who opened fire on our vehicles while we were returning from Amazekewe. My Toyota Hilux was set ablaze and completely burnt in the attack,” he said.

“Thankfully, we are all safe, and I sincerely appreciate the professionalism and gallantry of the security agencies who ensured our safety.”

The NDC candidate also acknowledged reports of casualties among the attackers, expressing sympathy for those affected and their families.

“I have also been informed that there were casualties among those who carried out the attack. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to those affected and their families. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of human life is deeply regrettable,” he added.

Nwali Warns Youths Against Political Violence

Following the incident, Nwali appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians seeking power at the expense of their lives.

He urged youths to consider the consequences of participating in political violence, stressing that no political ambition justified the loss of human life.

“No political ambition is worth the life of any young person, and no young person should have to lose their life in pursuit of another person’s political ambition,” he said.

The candidate further insisted that the attack would not deter him from pursuing his political ambition and serving the people of Ezza South.

“As for us, we are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to serve our people, and I assure you that no amount of intimidation or violence will deter us from this course,” he added.

Attack Comes Amid Reported Political Violence in South-East

The incident comes amid a series of reported attacks involving members and supporters of the NDC in the South-East, particularly in neighbouring Enugu State.

On October 10, suspected political thugs reportedly attacked NDC supporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Emene, Enugu, as they gathered to welcome the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa.

Video footage of the incident reportedly showed supporters fleeing amid sporadic gunfire, while a suspected attacker was seen assaulting an NDC supporter with a plank.

Amnesty International subsequently condemned the attack, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting opposition members.

Another incident occurred at the NDC secretariat in the Government Reserved Area of Enugu, where armed men allegedly opened fire during preparations for the party’s campaign flag-off.

The shooting reportedly left a man who was repairing a vehicle with a gunshot injury and damaged five parked cars.

Nworie Christopher, an NDC member from Affa in Udi Local Government Area, later died from injuries sustained during the attack on the party’s campaign office.

The Enugu State Police Command reportedly ordered an investigation into the shooting, while Governor Peter Mbah pledged to prosecute those responsible for the airport and secretariat attacks.

The NDC has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating intimidation against its members. However, the alleged APC affiliation of those involved in the Ebonyi incident has not been independently verified.

The party has also called for an independent investigation into previous attacks on its members in Enugu State.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from the Ebonyi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, reportedly did not answer calls or respond to a message seeking his reaction to the incident.

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x