Category Nigeria News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved the case against Yahaya Bello, the immediate-ex-Gov. of Kogi State, to April 23, 2024, thanks to Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.

Bello’s alleged N84bn money laundering is the subject of the adjournment’s substituted service and possible arraignment.

The EFCC’s attorney, Kemi Phinro, informed the court that the immediate former governor of Kogi State was unable to appear in court for his arraignment because he was being protected by an immunity-protected person at the resumed sitting.

According to Porinro, the former governor was given immunity and was taken out of his Abuja residence by the same person.

Porro asserted that the anti-graft organization might enlist the military to help him when he is detained.

Yahaya Bello responded to this assertion by telling the court that an order was in place to prevent the EFCC from apprehending or arraigning him through his attorney, Abdulwahab Muhammad.

The EFCC was prevented from arresting or arraigning the former governor, according to Muhammad Muhammad.

He added that the Court of Appeal was yet to rule on the matter and that the EFCC had filed an appeal.

He argued that the EFCC’s action was unlawful, and the court lacked the authority to hear any EFCC-related charges.

Counsel for the EFCC, however, disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

The Kogi State High Court delivered the ruling on March 17, 2024, according to the EFCC’s attorney.

He clarified that the court’s ruling required the EFCC to first request court permission before arraigning or arresting the former governor.

He claimed that the EFCC filed an exparte application for the court’s decision, which was in accordance with that judgment.

Counsel for Yahaya Bello, however, insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was made out of jurisdiction. He claimed that the former governor relied on the Kogi State High Court’s protection order to protect him rather than a fugitive.

Whisked Out by Yahaya Bello

EFCC attempted to arrest former governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday, but the former governor was later confirmed to have been whisked away by his successor, who had taken over his residence in the Wuse area of Abuja.

Following that, the EFCC issued a public safety notice that it is illegal to impede the Commission’s officers from carrying out their legal responsibilities.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, it is illegal to obstruct officers of the Commission from performing their legal duties under Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act.

He believes that those responsible face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

In response to this provocation, the Commission’s employees have had to exercise the utmost restraint on numerous occasions to prevent a breakdown in law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

The Commission, therefore, warns that it will no longer tolerate any attempts to obstruct its operation because doing so will result in appropriate punitive measures, the statement continued.

Charges Against Bello

Bello  has been a target of the EFCC’s insistent arraignment. before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune 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).

Following the court’s order to issue an arrest warrant and enrolment on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Bello’s arraignment follows.

“Count one of the charges 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”.

According to Count 17 of the charges, it was stated that Yahaya Bello, acting within the authority of this Honourable Court, assisted E-Traders International Limited in concealing the aggreagate sum of N3081,804,654 between July 26th, 2021 and April 6, 2022 in Abuja. 00( Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thouand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account numbder 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.

According to Count 18 of the charges, Yahaya Adoza Bello in Abuja during the course of this Honorable Court’s authority, obtained the sum of $ 570,330 from E-Traders International Limited. You allegedly owe $500 (five hundred and seven thousand dollars), $3,000 (three hundred and thirty dollars), to account number 4266644272, which is domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America, where you allegedly owe money to fund unlawful activity, including a criminal breach of trust, and you subsequently committed an offence against Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable by Section 15(3) of the same Act.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Commission said its attempt to carry out the warrant of arrest that Bello had obtained was met with fierce opposition.

The current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, broke the security cordon around the former governor’s Abuja residence and took him to his designated vehicle. As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Bello is not above the law, and he will be brought to justice as soon as possible, according to the needful statement. ”

Conflicting Orders

Meanwhile, there was conflicting court order over the arrest of the Kogi former governor on Wednesday.

One of the rulings, which came from a Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja,  restrained the EFCC  from arresting, detaining or prosecuting Bello.

Justice I . In accordance with the Court’s authorization, Jamil, who issued the order in a two-hour ruling on Wednesday, declared that all other crimes against the former Kogi are null and void.

The EFCC is hereby prohibited from detaining, arresting, and prosecuting the applicant in accordance with this order, unless otherwise permitted by the Court.

He claimed that this is a definitive ruling in response to the earlier interim injunction.

The EFCC, however,   obtained permission  the former governor of Kogi State to the Federal High Court in Abuja in order to hold his arraignment on Thursday.

At the request of the EFCC, Justice Emeka Nwite issued the warrant this afternoon.

After surviving a barrage at the Etihad on Wednesday, Real Madrid exacted revenge on Manchester City to advance to the Champions League semifinals 4-3 on penalties.

Before Kevin De Bruyne responded, the visitors took a late lead before retiring, leaving the match tied at 1-1 on the night and 4-4 overall.

However, City’s defence of the competition came to an end after Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic saw spot-kicks saved by Madrid’s unlikely hero Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian, who has played for Thibaut Courtois’ injured team this season, was to blame for City’s opening game, which was a thrilling first leg, but more than compensated.

City had not lost in the Champions League home since 2018, but despite having 34 attempts on goal, the 14-time European champions held the holders to a heroic defensive performance.

11 months ago, Pep Guardiola’s side lost to Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad, and the match was won for the first time by an early City blitz.

City also lost a semi-final first leg thriller 4-3 on home soil two years ago, only to be shattered by a late-Madrid comeback in the second leg.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s men turned the page once more, winning the match with a start that was assured.

Real roaming down the right was set up by Justin Bellingham after he miraculously pulled the ball out of the sky.

After his first effort was parried by Brazilian international teammate Ederson, Vinicius Junior picked out the unmarked Rodrygo and tapped in the rebound.

Madrid was quickly penned against the ropes by City if they were slow to warm up but were unable to deliver a powerful strike for 76 minutes.

Erling Haaland struggled to score in a fourth consecutive game between the opposing players, but his best performance came when Bernardo Silva’s looping header hit the crossbar, leaving him with no time to adjust and turn in the rebound.

De Bruyne was forced to turn back after the tenacious Antonio Rudiger deflected Jack Grealish’s effort into the side-netting.

Before Guardiola sacrificed the England international for Jeremy Doku’s extra speed, the Madrid goalkeeper saved two more from Grealish at the start of the second half.

Rudiger handled the ball perfectly for De Bruyne to smash into the top of the net 14 minutes from time, which made for an inspiring change.

De Bruyne had a great chance to win the tie if he had managed to do it alone.

However, City’s dominance of the ball and territory did serve to sap Madrid’s energy as their lethal counter-attack was largely subdued after the first half.

Julian Alvarez took Haaland’s place for extra-time, making another big decision for Guardiola.

Real, however, had the best chance of the extra 30 minutes, so the Argentine was no longer able to pick holes in the large defensive ranks of Madrid.

After making a rare Madrid corner, Rubidiger slammed over with a clear sight of the goal.

The German defender, who had the final penalty of the shootout, was still in control of the outcome.

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have laid siege to the Abuja residence of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

According to eyewitnesses, EFCC officials barricaded the ex-governor’s residence since 9am on Wednesday.

The purpose of the operation by the anti-graft operatives was unknown as of press time as efforts to speak with them proved abortive.

Some supporters of the former governor were seen in front of the house.

Yahaya Bello Indicted

Mid-March, the EFCC indicted Yahaya Bello, in an alleged diversion of about N100 billion, an offence said to have been committed months before he assumed office as governor in September 2015.

The EFCC had joined Yahaya Bello in the amended suit alongside the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Alli Bello, and one Daudu Suleiman who was re-arraigned by the anti-graft agency before Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The ex-governor was not a defendant in the original suit, and was not in court on the said day.

Justice Omotoso had granted an accelerated hearing in the matter and had also ordered that all forms of objections must be kept in abeyance till the address stage and the charge were read to them.

In the first count, the former governor, and the two suspects were accused of conspiring with each other in September 2015 and converting N80, 246, 470, 089 to their personal use.

They were also alleged to have run foul of section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 because they ought to have reasonably known that the money was a product of fraud and criminal breach of public trust.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has called on his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Field Commanders and Formation Commanders for a robust interaction and insightful recommendations to fine tune strategies and policies of the Nigerian Army (NA) with the aim of guaranteeing a more secured Nigeria, as he declared the COAS First Quarter Conference 2024 open in Abuja.

Declaring the Conference open, the Army Chief reiterated the need to sustain regular consultation with PSOs and Field Commanders for a comprehensive review of activities of the NA, to provide opportunity to evaluate troops’ readiness and formulate strategies to enhance efficient performance in fulfilling constitutional obligations, as the year progresses.

Accordingly, the COAS reviewed past achievements, assessed current challenges and plans for the future within the broader context of national security.

Gen Lagbaja succinctly recapped the recent tragic incident involving the loss of troops in Okuama community and urged troops to remain steadfast and unwavering.

He emphasized the imperative to overcome adversaries and reclaim areas where they are hibernating. He commended troops for their commitment and dedication, adding that their operational interventions have resulted in significantly degrading terrorists, criminal elements, as well as curbing oil theft and illegal oil refineries .

He further disclosed that new welfare initiatives have been introduced to boost the morale of troops. These, he noted, include Affordable Housing Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) and sustenance of the complementary welfare flights for troops deployed in the North East Region.

In the area of Civil Military Cooperation, the COAS pointed out that the NA has intensified efforts in winning the hearts and minds of law abiding citizens through various activities aimed at improving living conditions and building lasting partnership.

In pursuit of one of the pillars of his Command Philosophy to provide sound administration through enhancement of personnel welfare and well being, Gen Lagbaja presented Hilux vehicles to 13 Army Warrant Officers in recognition of their meritorious and unblemished service through the NA to the nation.

A side attraction at the conference was the inspection of an electric motorbike locally manufactured by Electric Vehicle Motor Company, Nigeria. He also commissioned a multipurpose building, as part of Army Headquarters Officers’ Mess to promote the bond of friendship, camaraderie and boost morale of personnel.

The COAS expressed gratitude to the President , Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the unflinching support of his administration through provision of resources for the acquisition of modern platforms which has enhanced NA’s efficiency across various theatres of operations.

Protesters on Wednesday flooded the premises of the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, throwing their support for the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Umar Damagun; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The protesters, who displayed placards with various inscriptions, pledged support for Wike and Damagun, alleging that some people within the PDP are trying to cause disaffection among the leadership.

The protest occurred barely an hour before the meeting of the PDP Governors Forum, and 24 hours before the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, where issues regarding the leadership of the PDP are expected to be discussed.

The, PDP has of late, been rocked with agitations from some of its members, who called for the resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC) over alleged failure to lead the party aright.

In a related development, the NWC on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in  Damagun, assuring its members of continued stability, growth and success of the party.

The decision of the NWC which came at the end of its 584th meeting at the party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday also commended the efforts of the acting national chairman to stabilise and reposition the PDP as the main opposition party in Nigeria.

Protesters occupy the national headquarters of the PDP in Abuja, to show their support for the acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagun and the minister of the FCT, mister Nyesom Wike. pic.twitter.com/nRej6cUJ1s

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the National Single Window initiative, a transformative project that will propel the nation’s economy to new heights.

The initiative is another bold testament to the President’s commitment to breaking long-standing developmental barriers in advancing the progress, prosperity, and well-being of every Nigerian.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the State House, President Tinubu said the National Single Window is a game-changer that will revolutionize the way trade is conducted in the country, and with the Office of the President overseeing the steering committee that will drive the reform process forward.

Outlining the benefits of the initiative, the President said by simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, Nigeria will unlock the doors to economic prosperity, adding: “This initiative will link our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.”

The President further explained that paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion, noting that countries like Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window systems.

“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the rewards of a streamlined, digitized trade process. As your President, I have always believed in the immense potential of our great nation. We are a people blessed with resilience, creativity, and an unwavering spirit of enterprise. However, for far too long, our economic growth has been hindered by existing complexities and inefficiencies in our trade processes. Today, we say no more!

“Imagine a Nigeria where businesses can save time and resources, where small enterprises can reach global markets, and where the informal eCommerce sector is brought into the fold, increasing our tax revenue base. This is the Nigeria we are building with the National Single Window.

“We cannot afford to lose an estimated $4 billion annually due to red tape, delays, and corruption at our ports. The National Single Window will address these issues head-on, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade. By doing so, we will create a more transparent, secure, and business-friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth,” the President said.

President Tinubu emphasized that the implementation of the National Single Window would not be an overnight process as it would require dedication, collaboration, and a phased approach in view of continental ramifications that extend far beyond national development imperatives alone.

“I assure you, my fellow Nigerians, that we are fully committed to seeing this project through. We will work tirelessly to ensure its success, engaging with all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for everyone.

“Moreover, the National Single Window is not just about Nigeria. By linking our system with those of other African nations, we will expedite cargo movement and optimize intra-Africa trade. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to regional integration and our belief in the power of collaboration.

“I call upon every Nigerian to embrace this initiative with open arms. Let us work together, as one nation, to make the National Single Window a resounding success. Let us show the world that Nigeria is ready to take its rightful place as a leader in global trade.

“Together, we will build a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous, and more united than ever before. The National Single Window is our gateway to that future, and I am honoured to lead us on this transformative journey,” the President concluded.

Explaining the fundamentals of the project, Mr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said data harmonization is a crucial component of the initiative, which involves enabling efficient capture, definition, analysis, and reconciliation of regulatory trade documents within one unified technological mechanism.

“We will reduce barriers to efficient timing, improve economic metrics, increase transparency, reduce trade costs, and boost revenue. The implementation plan will be carefully crafted with short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.

“The success of this project hinges on the unwavering commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. It requires strong government participation and engagement from all partner agencies. Together, we will work tirelessly to overcome any obstacle and ensure the seamless implementation of the National Single Window project.