News
Again, court admits ex-Gov Yahaya Bello to N500m bail
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Thursday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Maryann Anenih had, on December 10, refused the ex-governor’s bail application, stating it was filed prematurely.
While delivering the initial ruling, she said that since the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court at the time, the application was incompetent.
There was, however, room for the governor’s lawyers to file a fresh bail application and apply for a hearing date.
The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial involving N110 billion, along with two others.
He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
When the case was called for hearing on Thursday, counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defence counsels had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter-affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsels.
He, however, applied to withdraw the further affidavit, stating, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”
There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN.
The court, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal and struck out the further affidavit.
Daudu, SAN, also informed the court that discussions had taken place with the leader of the prosecution counsels, resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.
In light of this understanding, Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.
He further requested that, if the court would graciously grant the defendant bail, it should review the bail conditions for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.
He urged the court to broaden the scope of properties to be used as bail sureties to include locations across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, rather than limiting them solely to Maitama.
The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, acknowledged that Daudu, SAN, had been in talks with the prosecution team.
In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, RPC, the EFCC counsel gave assurance of their cooperation in expediting the trial.
He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar leading the defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.
“As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.
“We are, therefore, leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”
Delivering her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offence the 1st defendant was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like sum.
The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, and Asokoro.
The 1st defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court. He is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on December 14 ordered the remand of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje correctional centre, pending the perfection of the bail condition granted to him.
Nwite granted Bello bail in the sum of N500m and two sureties.
Bello is facing 19-count charge before the court bordering on money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N80.2bn brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
News
Former Miss Nigeria dies in London
Ex-Miss Nigeria and former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs Edna Ibru (nee Park) is dead.
Edna Ibru, wife of Olorogun Felix Ibru, the first civilian Governor of Delta State between 1991 and 1992, died in her 80s on Wednesday, in a London hospital after a brief illness.
The deceased, who was Miss Nigeria 1964, and the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe, had two children for Ibru.
The Ibru family of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom in Delta State confirmed the death of the former first lady in a statement issued by her son, Dr Paul Ibru, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.
“Our amazing mother passed onto glory on Wednesday 15, January 2025 after a brief illness”, the statement partly read.
It continued, “Until her death, she was full of life and we never expected her to leave us so soon but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.
“She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly.”
Paul added that arrangements for her burial would be announced by the family later.
News
Tinubu administration has no plan, no vision – Bauchi Governor
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that while he initially celebrated Tinubu’s victory, he has since observed a lack of clear vision and effective policies that are hindering national progress.
Mohammed, who was an opposition governor during the 2023 elections, admitted to having high hopes for the new administration due to Tinubu’s successful tenure as Lagos State Governor.
However, he now believes that freedom and development remain elusive under the current leadership.
Speaking at a courtesy visit by Apostle Johnson Suleiman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministry, in Bauchi, Mohammed emphasized that President Tinubu appears to have entered office without a concrete plan or manifesto.
He also criticized the president for surrounding himself with individuals who he described as “misfits,” and warned that the administration’s direction is likely to lead Nigeria down a path of destruction.
The Governor clarified that he holds no personal animosity toward Tinubu, but expressed concern over the impact of the current policies, particularly those that he believes could negatively affect Nigerians.
He urged the president to be more inclusive and develop a comprehensive, well-thought-out vision for the country.
Mohammed called for reforms that would be beneficial to all citizens, stressing the need for unity and respect for Nigeria’s diversity.
He cautioned against divisive policies and practices of impunity, urging for governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people and ensures their aspirations are not stifled.
News
Yahoo Boys shoot EFCC officer dead, injure another in Anambra
Armed internet fraudsters fatally shot an officer after opening fire on a team of anti-graft operatives in Anambra on Friday.
The officers were on a mission to corner a cluster of suspected cybercriminals, widely known as Yahoo Boys, when they were met with lethal violence on Friday morning.
One officer was shot dead on the spot and another sustained serious injuries and remained hospitalised in critical condition as of Friday night.
The officers had travelled to Anambra on the assignment from their zonal headquarters in Enugu.
A male suspect has been taken into custody for the murder, an official said. His identity was not immediately disclosed just as the motive of the attack is yet to be ascertained.
A spokesman for the EFCC said he would find out about the incident when contacted.
A police spokesman in Anambra did not immediately comment on the development.
The attack came as chairman Ola Olukoyede was recalibrating the agency’s protocol on raiding white-collar criminals. Yahoo Boys were hitherto largely known to be unarmed and, therefore, easily to take into custody.
The deceased officer was identified as an assistant superintendent who had recently completed a promotional examination.
It was learnt that the identity of the officer was kept secret to allow time for his family to be officially notified.
Anti-graft agents expressed apprehension over the development saying the agency’s personnel insurance had been moribund for years.
“We no longer have life insurance,” an officer said under anonymity to discuss internal administrative policies.
“The last time family members of an officer who died on duty were compensated was under Farida Waziri.”
“So the families of the officer that died today won’t be getting anything,” another officer added. “So can we say he died for nothing?”
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