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Category: Kogi Update

  • JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap Kogi LG chairman

    JUST IN: Gunmen kidnap Kogi LG chairman

    The caretaker chairman of the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Zacchaeus Michael, has been kidnapped by gunmen.
    The state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya, confirmed this on Saturday.
    Aya told our correspondent that the caretaker chairman was kidnapped on Friday night along Kabba-Okene Road in the Kabba area of the state.
    “Yes, I got the information. The state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has already deployed officers for a search-and-rescue mission. We are on top of the situation,” he said.
    Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter said that Michael was abducted alongside some of his aides.
    One of the sources said, “Reports indicate that CTC Kabba/Bunu Chairman, Zacchaeus Dare Michael, and some of his aides have been kidnapped by gunmen on the Kabba-Okene Expressway in Kabba.
    “Authorities are seeking any credible information that may aid their safe rescue.
    “I urge everyone to pray for their immediate and safe release, asking for divine intervention and protection during this critical time.”
    Details later..
  • EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    EFCC Picks New Date For Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly picked a new date for the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

    The anti-graft agency fixed June 27 for a hearing in the alleged money laundering case instituted by EFCC against Bello at the instance of the anti-graft agency’s lawyers.
    According to Daily Post, the new date was fixed without prior information from the defendant’s lawyers.

    At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached Aliyu AbdulWahab, SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the earlier date, June 13 date, would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

    He said he was surprised when he heard that EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo was in court.

    He said, “They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsel would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, the lead counsel, has been calling us to say today is not convenient.”

    However, for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Bello was said to be ready to appear in court on Thursday.

    Adedipe added, “Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them.

    “We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide.”

  • Federal Lawmaker Donates Traditional Well to Residents As Constituency Project

    Federal Lawmaker Donates Traditional Well to Residents As Constituency Project

    A member of the 10th National Assembly representing Bassa/Dekina Federal constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Paul Gowon Haruna has donated a traditional well to his constituency.

    Haruna is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    He is also a former member of the Kogi State Houses of Assembly.

    However, some residents of the constituency have kicked against the project. 

    Sharing pictures with SaharaReporters, one of them said, “This is a project from a House of Representatives member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency, what a shame, not even a mechanised hand pump.”

    Another resident said, “It’s glaring these politicians don’t rate us, a federal lawmaker constructing well and celebrating it as achievement.”

  • Kogi guber: Ododo wins at Tribunal

    The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Monday, authenticated the election that declared Usman Ododo as the governor of Kogi State.

    In a unanimous judgment by a three-member panel of Justices of the Tribunal, it held that the petitioners failed to prove the allegations contained in their petition in accordance with the law.

    The Social Democratic Party(SPD) annd it’s candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka was challenging Ododo’s election on the ground that it was conducted in gross violation of the electoral law of rigging and vote-buying.

    Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); Alex Iziyon (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), who appeared for INEC, Ododo and APC respectively argued that the petitioners did not list the name of the witness in their proof of evidence and that the witness statement on oath was not front-loaded alongside the petition.

    They also contended that the petitioners served the reports of the witness’ analysis on them 20 minutes before the commencement of the proceedings.

    But Okutepa insisted that the forensic expert was listed on Page 56 of the petition as item 10, adding that his statement was also front-loaded.

  • Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Murdered Students: Kogi varsity announces three-day mourning

    Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi has initiated a three-day mourning period following the tragic loss of two students to kidnappers.

    Registrar Olufunke Hudson conveyed this somber announcement in a statement released on Sunday.

    The victims, identified as James Michael-Anajuwe and Musa Hussein, were both first-year students studying Information Technology and Software Engineering, respectively.

    They were among the group of students abducted on May 9 while preparing for their upcoming examinations scheduled to commence on May 13.

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of security operatives and local hunters, twenty-one students have been successfully rescued from captivity.

    Ms Hudson said, “It is with deep shock and pain that the management of CUSTECH is mourning our beloved slain students. Consequently, all activities in the university are to be held low-key from May 27 to May 29 in memory of our departed students.”

    The registrar said the university management shared in the grief of the families and colleagues of the deceased students. She urged the parents, other family members, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the deceased students to take solace in God.

    According to her, the state government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining students from their abductors.

    “Governor Usman Ododo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the students are released safely. We, therefore, urge everyone to remain calm and maintain the peace the state is enjoying,” said the statement.

  • Yahaya Bello to be arraigned, June 13

    Yahaya Bello to be arraigned, June 13

    The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Friday finally agreed to submit himself to the Federal High Court Abuja for arraignment on June 13.

    At the Friday sitting, Justice Emeka Nwite rejected the former governor’s request for suspension of trial.

    Following the rejection of the application, the lead Counsel to the defendant, Abdulwahab Mohammed, gave the undertaking that his client will appear before the court in the next adjourned date.

    He stated that Bello was not afraid of arraignment but the safety of his life in the hand of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

    According to Mohammed, the life of his client has been under consistent threats in Abuja, hence, his decision to go underground for safety.

    In his remarks, Justice Nwite reiterated that EFCC as a law-abiding body would not do anything against the provisions of the law.

    The court added that Bello was not the first former governor to be merely invited by the anti-graft agency and would not be the last.

    The judge also said that the charges are based on allegations that have not been proved, adding that the law even presumes any accused person innocent until proven otherwise.

    Consequently, Justice Nwite advised Bello’s lawyer to prevail on his client to respect the law and order of court as a law-abiding citizen.

    Responding, Mohammed expressed gratitude to the court, adding that with the assurance that EFCC would not do anything untoward, the former governor would be brought to court.

    “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja.”

    He, therefore, requested for four weeks to bring his client before the court.

    However, he added that the former governor, now at large, will come to the court instead of the EFCC to take his plea in the charges.

    In his reaction, counsel to the Anti-graft agency, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, didn’t oppose the application.

    Justice Nwite fixed June 13 for Bello to appear in court to take his, please.

  • Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello evade EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo

    Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello evade EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo

    Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has claimed that Governor Usman Ododo did not shield ex-Governor Yahaya Bello from arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Fanwo stated this while speaking on Channels Television on Friday.

    “Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives.

    “Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said.

    Fanwo also insisted that a state high court injunction protects Bello from harassment by the EFCC.

    He noted that Governor Ododo remains a law-abiding leader who respects the rule of law and the Constitution of Nigeria.

     EFCC operatives had laid a siege at Bello’s house in Abuja.

    But Ododo arrived at the residence and hours after he drove out, there were reports that Bello snuck out with him.

    The EFCC has since declared Bello wanted.

    He has also been placed on a security watchlist by the federal government.

  • Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

    Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, Security Details

    The Nigeria Police Force has detained the female aide-de-camp (ADC) and several other police officers attached to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, following suspicions of their involvement in aiding his escape from law enforcement.

    The detentions occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as confirmed by senior police sources to Punch.

    This action was taken after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive on Thursday night for the immediate withdrawal of these officers from Bello, who is currently embroiled in legal challenges.

    The former governor was supposed to be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday but managed to evade capture.

    The police sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that the ADC and the detained officers are under investigation for potentially abetting Bello’s escape, which has led to a significant uproar within security circles.

    This incident marks a critical development in the ongoing case against Bello, who faces allegations of corruption during his tenure as governor.

    One of the sources said, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained.

    “They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday.”

    Another source said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).”

    Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello.

    The order reads, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM NIGPOL.

    “DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/462 DTO:180955/04/2024 X ORDER AND DIRECTIVES X REF MYLET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/36 DATED 15/04/2024 X AND MY EARLIER LET NO CB:3412/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/30 DATED 24/01/2024 X Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men.

    “Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”

  • Alleged N89.2b money laundering: EFCC threatens inviting army to arrest Yahaya Bello

    Alleged N89.2b money laundering: EFCC threatens inviting army to arrest Yahaya Bello

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) Thursday, informed Justice Emeka Nwite its intension to invite the Nigerian Army to effect the arrest of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    The anti-graft agency, through its legal team issued the threat before the court after explaining how a person of immunity protected Bello from arrest following the court’s bench warrant.

    The court had fixed today(Thursday) for arraignment of Bello alongside the ex-governor’s nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88.

    When the called up, Thursday, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Piniero SAN said in open court that the Commission was aware that Bello is been harboured in the home of a person that has immunity.

    He submitted that immunity is only attached to a person, not his house or car, adding that the law allows Nigerian security agencies to break into a house to arrest a defendant.
    He said,

    “If he is unwilling to produce his client in court, we will invite other security agencies including the Nigerian army to produce him.

    “We can come next week. We will produce him,” Piniero assured.

    Piniero also urged the court to compel the ex-governor’s lawyer to accept service of the processes, explaining that it has been impossible to serve the charge sheet on him personally.

    Counsel to Yahaya, Abdul Wahab Mohammed, said that the Abuja division of the court or the EFCC cannot arraign his client.

    He contended that his preliminary objection application has to be taken first, but the EFCC came behind him through a motion-exparte to obtain a warrant of arrest.

    He said,
    “The governor has a lawyer in court and if there is a justifiable issue for him to come to court, he would.

    “Our contention is that the defendant on record is not a fugitive. We are talking of rule of law, not rule of force.

    “We are contending that the warrant of arrest was given outside jurisdiction because there is a judgement.

    “I don’t have the authority of the defendant to accept service of the charges and proof of evidence.”
    What the judge said

    The judge said he was yet to read the Kogi state high court judgement of yesterday.

    But the judge held all parties including the ex-governor has to be formally before the court and the EFCC, without a warrant of arrest, can arrest a suspect or defendant.

    He adjourned to April 23 for ruling and arraignment.

    In the charge sheet, the anti-graft agency claims the defendants diverted public funds.

    Some of the counts reads:

    “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.

    “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

    “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”.

    Bello’s arraignment followed an warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by Justice Emeka Nwite, Wednesday, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 and filed by the EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo.

    The EFCC counsel argued that the ex-governor needs to be apprehended by security agencies so as to fast track his arraignment in court and immediate trial.
    The anti-graft agency maintained that the judge should either order Bello’s arrest or issue a public summons commanding the defendant to appear before the court.

  • Kogi: Supreme Court sets aside Appeal court’s ruling on inspection order

    Kogi: Supreme Court sets aside Appeal court’s ruling on inspection order

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the Court of Appeal ruling which set aside the inspection Order granted the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by the Governorship election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    The Governorship election petition Tribunal had, on November 25, 2023, granted an Exparte Order, allowing the SDP and its candidate in the 11th November, 2023 Governorship election to carry out forensic examination of all the Bimordal Voters Accreditation system (BVAS) used in the Governorship election, among other sundry reliefs.

    A three-man panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice J.O.K. Oyewole, sets aside the inspection order, on the grounds that it has gone outside the province of the Electoral Act.

    The Court of Appeal ordered that, while inspection is allowed under the Electoral Act, it must be jointly carried out with the respondent and the scope of the inspection should be within the strict limit allowed under the Electoral Act.

    However, the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, on Thursday, allowed the appeal of the Appellants, saying that the order of inspection made by the trial tribunal were within its power.

    The Court also held that the Respondents were duly served.