Crime
Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Case Until April
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The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in an alleged money laundering case has been adjourned until April 3 and April 24, 2025, by the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Justice Maryann Anenih granted the adjournment on Wednesday after hearing the testimony of the first prosecution witness, property developer Fabian Nworah.
The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, had planned to call five witnesses on Wednesday, but Justice Anenih could only accommodate one witness due to a tight schedule.
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The court also announced it would not sit on Thursday as previously scheduled.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing the 1st and 2nd defendants, raised a key issue during the proceedings, stating that the prosecution had not provided the second defendant’s statements on oath to the defense team.
“The statements of the second defendant have not been served on us to be able to know if we will be able to represent him or not. So, it is a serious handicap on us. They need to serve us all the statements made by the defendants,” Daudu said.
He also objected to the prosecution’s witness, Fabian Nworah, emphasizing that the defense had no prior knowledge of the witness. “Legal proceedings should not be a ‘hide and seek’ game,” Daudu asserted.
“The prosecution is required to provide the witness’ statements on oath in advance so the defense can adequately prepare for cross-examination.”
Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, counsel for the 3rd defendant, also supported this argument, requesting the court to order the prosecution to provide statements of the 2nd and 3rd defendants, along with relevant documents, including a forensic expert’s report.
Aliyu noted that the statements were not included in the proof of evidence served to the defense. “I am also applying that the court order the prosecution to provide us with copies of the recovered digital device and the report or the extract therefrom,” he said.
In response, prosecution counsel Pinheiro dismissed the defense’s objections, accusing them of attempting to delay the trial.
“The constitutional provisions, which they rely on, do not imply that the prosecution should provide all the documents that it relies on,” Pinheiro argued. He further emphasized that the prosecution had served the proof of evidence on November 27, 2024, and that the defense should formally request any additional documents they needed.
Despite these objections, Justice Anenih directed the prosecution to proceed with the case and declined the defense’s request for an adjournment.
The prosecution then called Fabian Nworah to the stand, who provided crucial testimony about a property transaction involving Shehu Bello and EFAB Property Nigeria Limited.
Nworah explained that he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 8, 2023, regarding a sale of property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama.
He stated that the property had been sold to Shehu Bello but the sale agreement listed Dr. Bello Ohiani instead.
Nworah further testified that Shehu Bello had later approached EFAB Property, claiming the property was under EFCC investigation, and demanded a refund of the N550 million paid for it.
EFAB Property complied with the EFCC’s request, refunding the full amount in two installments—N400 million and N150 million.
Crime
Kogi NSCDC Deputy Commandant Arrested Over Alleged ₦3bn Fraud
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, Adam Imam Yusuf, over an alleged ₦3 billion fraud.
In a statement released on its website, ICPC confirmed Yusuf’s arrest at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja, after he had been on the run.
The commission stated that he is now in custody and will face prosecution.
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“Yusuf, who was at large until now, was taken into custody from his Gwagwalada, Abuja residence and is set to face prosecution,” the statement read.
ICPC alleged that Yusuf conspired with a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), and a former Brigadier General, Ishaya Bauka Gangum (rtd.), to orchestrate the fraud.
“ICPC investigations revealed that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum (rtd.).
“The alleged scheme reportedly involved the diversion of public funds using 92 fictitious companies that were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” ICPC stated.
According to the commission, investigations traced the misappropriated funds to companies including Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, which were allegedly used to acquire at least 18 properties, including filling stations.
It further disclosed that four of the properties have already been forfeited to the government, while legal proceedings continue over the remaining assets.
The ICPC also stated that efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects who remain at large.
Crime
How NVIS Aided Recovery Of 73 Stolen Vehicles In 2024 – FRSC
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Intelligence driven operations powered by the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) was pivotal in the recovery of 73 stolen vehicles in Nigeria in 2024.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) made the revelation in a statement in Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to its spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the feat was attained in collaboration with other security agencies, relying on data at the NVIS Portal.
The details on the NVIS Portal made it possible, Ogungbemide explained, for the stolen vehicles to be intercepted at the point of registration, thereby frustrating the efforts of the criminals at integrating them into the system.
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Ogungbemide wrote, “The 73 stolen vehicles recovered include 4 Toyota Highlanders, 1 Toyota Lexus, 21 Toyota Corollas, 17 Toyota Camrys, 6 Toyota Siennas, 6 Lexus 350s, 3 Lexus ES350s, 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Toyota RAV4, 1 Toyota Celica, 1 Toyota Venza, 1 Suzuki Bus, 1 Honda Pilot, 1 Honda Ace, 2 Honda Accords, 1 Daihatsu, 1 Mercedes-Benz, 1 Man Truck, 1 Pontiac Vibe, and 2 Qlink Motorcycles.”
The statement also mentioned that Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended FRSC personnel for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring road safety and security.
He emphasised the importance of accurate vehicle registration details, stating that proper documentation plays a crucial role in intelligence gathering and vehicle recovery.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to making Nigerian roads safer while urging the public to support efforts in crime prevention and road safety management.
Crime
Suspended Oba Ogunjobi Remanded In Custody Over Viral Assault Incident
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The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre after failing to meet his bail conditions.
Yinka Odukoya, spokesperson for the correctional facility, confirmed on Wednesday that the monarch remained in custody because he had yet to fulfill the bail requirements set by the court.
“Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court yesterday. However, as soon as he does, he will be released,” Odukoya said
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Oba Ogunjobi was arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday in connection with a viral video showing him assaulting Abraham Areola, a 73-year-old man.
According to the charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025), the suspended monarch faces charges of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The charge reads:
“That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 11:00 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo, did conspire to commit a misdemeanour, to wit: assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham to kneel down and assaulting him in public, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”
The accused monarch pleaded not guilty to all charges when he appeared before Magistrate F. A. Iroko, who granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of ₦5 million each, with the sureties required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025 for further hearing.
Recall that a viral video showing Ogunjobi assaulting Areola sparked outrage across social media.
In the two-minute footage, Areola is seen kneeling on the road as Ogunjobi berates him with insults, accusing him of conspiring against him and his family.
The monarch, a retired police officer, also boasted about his connections in law enforcement, threatening to have Areola imprisoned.
At one point, Ogunjobi’s aide was seen striking the elderly man and ordering him to prostrate before the monarch.
Following the incident, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ogun State commended the state government for swiftly suspending Ogunjobi.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, the CSOs condemned the assault and called for the full prosecution of the monarch.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogun State also praised the government and the police for their prompt action.
PCRC Chairman, Samson Kunle Popoola, called for the arrest of the aide who struck Areola and reassured the public of the committee’s impartial stance on human rights issues.
Oba Ogunjobi remains at the Ilaro Correctional Centre, awaiting the fulfillment of his bail conditions.