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Category: Politics

  • EFCC hands over recovered assets to Enugu governor

    EFCC hands over recovered assets to Enugu governor

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, handed over 14 recovered assets to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State.

    During the handing over ceremony held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede revealed that the assets recovered by the commission was forfeited to the Federal Government.

    He added that the EFCC began an investigation into the development since 2007, and had achieved the conviction of persons in relation to the matter.

    He also noted that the President, Bola Tinubu, ordered the handover of the assets which includes – real estate, radio and television transmission equipment, and medical facility, amongst others, to the Enugu State Government, following a request by the EFCC.

  • Rainstorm Plunges 40 Ogun Communities Into Darkness

    Rainstorm Plunges 40 Ogun Communities Into Darkness

    Forty communities in Ogun State have been plunged into darkness following a rainstorm on Sunday. 

    The downpour which began around midday, destroyed electricity facilities in some parts of the state, leading to a blackout.

    “Due to broken poles occasioned by the heavy downpour at Ota and Mowe, customers in the following communities: lyana lyesi, Osuke Town, Egan Road, lyana Ilogbo, Ijaba, Ijagba, Itele, Lafenwa, Singer, Joju, Alishiba, Oju Ore, Tollgate, Eledi, Akeja, Abebi, Osi Round About, Ota Town, Ota Industrial Estate, Igberen, lju, Atan, Onipanu, Obasanjo, Lusada, Arigba, Odugbe, Ado-Odo, Igbesa, Owode,” the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said in a statement late Sunday.

    “Olokuta, Hanushi, Bamtish Camp Lufiwape, Eltees Farm, August Engineering, Spark Cear Soap Ayetoro, Amazing Grace Oil, Christopher University, Royal Garden Estate, Pentagon Estate, and environs are experiencing power outages”.

    It called on residents of the areas to avoid “contact with the broken poles, saggy wires or any other electrical installation affected by the rain”.

    “Our technical team is working to clear and replace the broken poles and installations to ensure power supply is restored as soon as possible,” IBEDC said.

  • Okuama residents sue army for ‘rights violation’, seek N200bn compensation

    Okuama residents sue army for ‘rights violation’, seek N200bn compensation

       
    Residents of Okuama community, Delta state, have instituted a suit against the Nigerian Army over an alleged breach of their fundamental human rights.

    In the suit marked FHC/WR/CS/41/2024 and filed before a federal high court in Warri on Thursday, the plaintiffs are seeking N200 billion as general and exemplary damages.

    On March 14, a group of army personnel comprising a lieutenant colonel, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers were killed in the community.

    Since then, there have been military operations in Okuama in a bid to find the perpetrators.

    In the suit, the applicants averred that they have been subjected to accusations and media trials over the incident.

    They claim they have been subjected to collective punishment by the army without any police investigation or any public inquiry indicting them for the crime.

    The applicants further averred that they were displaced from their homes, their properties destroyed and many killed.

    They are seeking an order from the court “for the enforcement of the fundamental rights to the dignity of the human person, right to a fair hearing, right to private and family life, freedom of movement and right of choice of place of residence and right to own property of the applicants and residents of the Okuama community”.

    They are also seeking an order restraining the army from further violating their fundamental rights and an order enabling the applicants and residents of Okuama community to take back possession of their land.

    Those named as applicants in the suit include Victor Akemor, Madam Omotiwori Olarehor, Victor Odi, Okrika Emmanuel, Austin Eferemua, and Evelyn Edjekola.

    Others are James Ubredu, David Oghenewede, Lucky Orode, Iwriogbo Best, Felix Orhiunu, Bernard Michael, Oghenekobiruo, Vero Joseph, Ebikawe Emmanuel, Francis Uphurie, and Belvis Adogbo.

    The plaintiffs are suing for themselves and the public interest of the Okuama community residents.

    The lawyers in the suit are Malcolm Omirhobo, Akpokona Omafuaire, Seprebofa Oyeghe, O. L. Ofuasia, and Ernest Ogbaga.

  • 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.”

  • After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    After Sacking El-Rufai’s Ally, Kaduna APC Appoints New Woman Leader

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State has announced the appointment of Naymarie Musa as the new Acting Woman Leader of the party, following the suspension of the previous office holder, Maryam Sulaiman.

    The change in leadership comes amid a backdrop of political controversy surrounding the state’s debt profile, which had been defended by Sulaiman in support of the immediate-past Governor Nasir El-Rufai administration.

    Musa steps into her new role with a wealth of experience from her previous position as Assistant Woman Leader of the ruling party in the State.

    Speaking to journalists at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday, Musa expressed her eagerness to foster unity and strengthen the party’s position ahead of upcoming general elections.

    “I am deeply committed to serving the women of Kaduna State with dedication, integrity, and passion,” Musa stated. She outlined her vision for an inclusive administration, focusing on the interests of women and ensuring accountability and participation within the party’s ranks.

    “My duty and commitment is to consolidate on the ‘Sustain Agenda’ of Governor Uba Sani and to deliver effective leadership to achieve new developmental heights,” she added, emphasising the importance of prioritising women’s interests under her leadership.

  • Zamfara Government Bans Political Officers, Civil Servants From Granting Radio, TV Interviews

    Zamfara Government Bans Political Officers, Civil Servants From Granting Radio, TV Interviews

    The government of Zamfara State has implemented a ban on political office holders and agency heads, prohibiting them from engaging in interviews, issuing statements, or broadcasting programs on radio, television, or social media without prior authorization. 

    Media organizations within the state are also cautioned against airing any programs without approval from the Ministry of Information. 

    The Commissioner of Information, Mannir Haidara, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to overseeing compliance with these regulations, ensuring accurate dissemination of government policies and information through radio stations.

    The statement reads: “The Zamfara state government has observed with dismay the attitudes of some individuals, political groups and heads of MDAs towards conducting radio, television stations and social media platforms interviews and programmes on state government’s policies and programmes without following the right channels”.

    “In an effort to checkmate the unwanted behaviour, the Zamfara state Ministry of Information and Culture hereby announce that henceforth no political office holder, group or head of any agencies is allowed to conduct any interview, issue statement or air a programme on radio, television stations or social media without seeking a permission from the authority”.

    “Moreover, the Ministry of Information and Culture is hereby calling on the media organisations based in the state to desist from conducting or airing any radio or television programmes on government’s policies for any individuals or group of people without the approval of the supervising Ministry or the Ministry of Information“.

    “The information ministry is highly committed to observing and monitoring the radio stations for compliance and ensuring that all Information passed to the general public on government and its policies are true and properly disseminated”.

  • Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, has been appointed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lead a seven-member committee that will conduct the party’s governorship primary election in Ondo state.

    The Ondo APC primary poll has been slated for April 20.

    The committee is expected to conduct direct primary elections in the 18 LGAs of the state.

    The five-man primary election appeal committee will be headed by Mohammed Abubakar, former governor of Bauchi.

    Abubakar’s committee will be inaugurated by Suleiman Argungu, APC national organising secretary; with Ovie Omo-Agege, former deputy senate president, serving as the secretary of the primary election committee.

    Obiocha Israel will serve as secretary to the five-man election appeal committee, with Jamilu Gwamna, Patrick Obahiagbon and Onyeka Okafor as members.

  • 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.

  • Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    A group of Igbos in diaspora has formally written Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma pleading passionately for his intervention in the on-going struggle to get the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu released from detention by the Federal Government.

    The group solicited Uzodinma to be interested in the travails and trial of Kanu in treasonable felony by the federal government and join the bid for the way out of the logjam.

    The group operating under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) asked the governor to have a change of heart in the matters of Kanu and throw his support for his release for genuine peace to reign in the South East Region.

    Their letter dated April 14, 2024, was signed by
    Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and Dr. Godson Obiagwu as Secretary.

    The group claimed that the incerceration of Kanu by government has done havocs than good for all the Igbo speaking States and reiterated the need for his release to enable business and commercial activities bounce back for the people in the region.

    In the letter, the group criticized the lukewarm attitude of the governor to insecurity in the region, especially in Imo State, where they claimed that several lives have been lost without any concrete response from the state government.

    The letter read in part, “A worrisome show of contempt for Igbos is covert conspiracies against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in the year 2021 and the persecution that ensued.

    “It has become obvious that you do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from the unlawful incarceration the Federal Government of Nigeria subjected him to.

    “While we are aware that several meritorious applications had before now been made to the trial Federal High Court Judge for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail, we have come to the ugly realization that Your Excellency is behind the continual refusal of such bail applications.

    “You are aware that in so far as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains unlawfully detained in the Nigeria security service’s facilities, there would be no peace in Igbo land and the spate of youth restiveness and violence would know no bounds.

    “Nigerians know how the infamous attempt at Kanu’s life under Operation Python Dance
    was planned and executed.

    “While we regret the entirety of your acts and deeds against Igbo nation and your secret
    vows to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu rots in detention, we honestly believe that you
    can turn over a new leaf.

    “We therefore request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA
    NWANNE YA and work toward peace in Igbo land.

    “And howsoever Your Excellency does
    it is not material to us provided there is a return to peace and tranquility.

    “We are very optimistic that Your Excellency would have a change of heart and work
    towards peace in Igbo land”, the letter said.