Crime
Court Adjourns Arraignment Of Yahaya Bello In EFCC Corruption Case
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.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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