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.

Two suspects have been arrested for allegedly impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a bid to extort $1 million from Mohammed Bello-Koko, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

In this regard, Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashim were arraigned before Justice Jude Onwuebuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

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The duo are facing a four-count charge, including impersonation and attempted fraud under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to the EFCC, Joshua and Hashim contacted Bello-Koko, falsely claiming they had influence over an ongoing investigation against him and demanded $1 million to ensure a favorable outcome.

They allegedly threatened to have him arrested and prosecuted if he refused to comply.

Court documents revealed that on September 28, 2024, the duo tried to extort $700,000 from Bello-Koko, claiming it would help block a fabricated EFCC petition against him.

The two suspects, believed to be part of a four-man syndicate posing as EFCC officials, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in Garki and the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja.

In court, both Joshua and Hashim pleaded not guilty to the charges.

EFCC prosecutor Elizabeth Alabi requested their remand in custody, while the defense sought bail.

Justice Onwuebuzie granted bail to Joshua under stringent conditions, including a N100 million bond and two sureties at level-16 civil service rank.

Both suspects were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until they meet the bail conditions.

A bail hearing for Hashim is scheduled for November 18, 2024.