Alleged Money Laundering: Witness Denies Harassment By Yahaya Bello’s Aides

Yahaya Bello, the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the former governor of Kogi State, refutes claims that the former governor’s security advisors harassed him.

At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Mr. Mshelia Bata, a compliance officer for Zenith Bank, stated that he felt the need to clarify the claim made by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) counsel.

The defendant’s attorney, Joseph Daudu, SAN, claimed that the Commission’s witness had been harassed in a story published on the EFCC website.

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, is shown in a file photo.

Read more about Yahaya Bello’s story here: The court rejects EFCC’s request to cross-examine witnesses

He claimed that the EFCC improperly disclosed the court’s findings from the previous day.

Pinheiro responded, saying he would contact the EFCC office to inquire about the situation.

The defendant’s attorney, Joseph Daudu, SAN, also confirmed that the former governor had no connection to any of the accounts that were made available as evidence during cross-examination.

He acknowledged that the defendant was not also identified as a beneficiary of any transaction on Exhibit 22A, which lists the defendant as a beneficiary from pages 24 to 413.

“I’m here to speak on the documents I have.” His Excellency’s name was not included in any description or beneficiary in any transaction, he stated, confirming that from the document.

The compliance officer had previously confirmed letters that introduced the key personnel who had been appointed as part of the Kogi State Government House Administration’s signatories and mentioned the signatories on those accounts.

Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the prosecution’s attorney, argued that the defendant’s attorney should limit his question to the document and not to the witness, who had benefited.

The witness, however, remarked that the witness had what to say because she was an expert.

The witness had previously stated that, among other things, he supervises a cluster of 13 branches in Abuja, including Gwagwalada, the University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello Way, Baze University, Garki, and Garki Ultra Modern Market.

He also acknowledged that the Federal Capital Territory was not the location of his clusters.

Prior to the documents being presented as evidence, the witness was instructed to identify the signatories to the accounts and their designations.

He listed the names of accountants, including the accountant who serves as the permanent secretary, the accountant who is the chief accountant, and the accountant who are the permanent secretary.

The EFCC’s attorney had made the observation that the witness had been harassed by one of the defendant’s security details when it came to harassment.

The defendant’s attorney questioned the assertion, noting that he had always known his client to be a peaceful person.

He, however, promised to look into the allegations and provide a report in the process.

The defendant’s attorney was then advised to thoroughly examine the situation by the judge.

Further, the defendant’s attorney provided further information to the court regarding the request for the defendant’s travel documents to be recovered.

Abuse of Court Procedure

However, the prosecution claimed to have counter-affidavited the application, alleging that it was technically incompetent.

Read more about the alleged $80.2% fraud, including Yahaya Bello’s paid children’s school fees, and Dollars – Witnesses.

Pinheiro claimed that the FCT High Court had received the same application, citing the abuse of court procedures.

Daudu claimed that the prosecution was held accountable for court process abuse.

We received the counteraffidavit yesterday, and we later filed a second counteraffidavit with two additional exhibits.

My Lord, the main point of the request is for his passport to be released in accordance with the bail conditions that he must meet in court if necessary.

The defendant’s attorney added that after eight years of not traveling, his client needed to attend to some aspects of his health. He further explained that his client had medical needs to be treated for during the vacation.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Who’s in, who’s out – round of 16 preview

The eye-catching ties of a mouthwatering 16th round of the FIFA Club World Cup include Lionel Messi’s reunion with former champions Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid’s clash with Juventus.

The group stage of FIFA’s reformatted competition was completed by Real Madrid and Al Hilal’s victory over Salzburg and Pachuca on Thursday evening.

As the expanded 32-team competition reaches the knockout stage, Al Jazeera Sport examines the most important talking points.

What time does Round 16 start?

On Saturday, June 28, Philadelphia will host the first match of the knockout stages, with a Brazilian-only game between Palmeiras and Botafogo taking place at Lincoln Financial Field.

At the expense of Atletico Madrid, Botafogo defeated champions PSG to become the reigning champions of Brazil and South America.

The Sao Paulo side Palmeiras are above Botafogo in the Brazilian league and feature Brazil ace and future Chelsea winger Estevao Willian.

Botafogo have only lost once in their last five encounters with Palmeiras, including last year’s Copa Libertadores tie in the last two legs.

Lionel Messi during training at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, training facility [Hannah Mckay/Reuters]

When and where will Messi’s team face PSG?

Inter Miami, under the direction of Lionel Messi, were a surprise package in the group stage, defeating Porto to advance to the last 16, but a late defeat against Palmeiras saw them finish second and must face PSG, the Argentinian playmaker’s former club.

On Sunday, June 29, Atlanta will host the game.

PSG’s long-awaited Champions League victory this year was the first time Luis Enrique’s side had beaten their MLS rivals, but Botafogo won to show that they are still untouchable.

In the round of 16, Man City will face defending champions?

As the only team at the tournament to win all three group games, Man City will face Al Hilal in the next round, and they will enter the knockout phase in ominous form.

In their previous two matches, they have scored 11 goals, with Juventus being thrashed 5-3 by them after they defeated Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates.

City will have no reason to be afraid if they play Al Hilal, the 2021 Asian champions, on Monday in Orlando, where Joao Cancelo is one of the many former stars from the top European leagues.

FIFA Club World Cup - Group G - Juventus v Manchester City - Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, U.S. - June 26, 2025 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with Phil Foden
Pep Guardiola hasn’t held back any of his big names while defending their Club World Cup title. [Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters]

Is it the tie of the round between Real Madrid and Juventus?

Two traditional European titans who have met 21 times will square off in this fight. Real won both of the clubs’ Champions League titles, winning both of them.

Juventus’ 5-2 defeat at home to Manchester City suggests they might find it difficult to compete with Madrid.

Real are adjusting to life under Xabi Alonso, who tried a three-man defense against Salzburg. After missing the group stage due to illness, he hopes to have Kylian Mbappe back.

What had Dortmund’s complaint before the Monterray test been?

Niko Kovac, the coach of Dortmund, will be happy the game against Mexican side Monterrey is at the covered and air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium because he has not held back from expressing his feelings about having to play in the extreme heat of the tournament.

Dortmund has grown into the tournament despite their criticism. A Monterrey team that impressed, most notably a respectable draw against Inter Milan, will face former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos.

16th round of the FIFA Club World Cup:

    Saturday, June 28 in Philadelphia, Palmeiras and Botafogo (GMT: 16:00 GMT).

  • Saturday, June 28th, in Charlotte (20:00 GMT), Chelsea vs. Benfica
  • Sunday, June 29 in Atlanta, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami (GMT)
  • Sunday, June 29 in Miami (20:00 GMT), Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich
  • Monday, June 30th, at 1:00 EST, Inter Milan vs. Fluminense in Charlotte.
  • Manchester City vs. Al Hilal starts at 1:00 on Tuesday, July 1 in Orlando.
  • Tuesday, July 1 in Miami (GMT): Real Madrid vs. Juventus
  • Tuesday, July 1, at 1:00 GMT on Wednesday, July 2, in Atlanta, is Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey.

[UPDATED] Alleged Rape: NAPTIP Declares Speed Darlington Wanted

The controversial Nigerian rapper Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, has been named wanted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for alleged crimes including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

NAPTIP made the announcement in a statement posted on its official Instagram account on Friday.

“WANTED BY NAPTIP,” Speed Darlington, also known as Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged crimes like rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

Anyone with reliable information about where he is located should immediately contact NAPTIP, the statement read.

The singer’s refusal to comply with numerous questioning summonses in connection with a now-viral Instagram Live video, in which he claimed to have had sex with a 15-year-old girl, is the latest development.

The video, which was made available on Children’s Day, sparked outrage all over the country and received a lot of criticism from both rights activists and the general public.

The Lagos State Government formally reported the incident to NAPTIP within 24 hours, prompting the agency to launch a probe.

Logo for NAPTIP

The singer was summoned to appear at NAPTIP’s Abuja headquarters by 9:00 a.m. on May 30th, according to a letter signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, on May 28, 2025.

NAPTIP Tells Speed Darlington To Honor Our Invite Or Face Further Action, READ ALSO.

The agency made reference to the Instagram video and other archived clips that purportedly contained “admissions and degrading commentary regarding minors” in the letter.

These actions fall under the 2015 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. Act, 2015, “the letter read.

Speed Darlington

In response, Speed Darlington acknowledged receipt of the summons and stated that he could not show up on time as scheduled, so he opted to show up on June 26.

The proposed date was rejected, however, by NAPTIP. The organization insisted in a follow-up letter signed by Hakeem Lawal, the director of the ICT &amp, Cybercrime Response Team:

You were given a chance to prepare and appear as requested on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Additionally, there is a need for immediate action because the issue is of national importance.

“As a result, NAPTIP cannot fit your schedule.” You have until June 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM, to make an appearance at the NAPTIP Headquarters at 2028, Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, FCT, Abuja for the interview.

Defer to an Invite

Speed Darlington didn’t show up despite the deadline. The singer took to Instagram to post a statement denying any wrongdoing as the controversy grew.

What was intended to be a joke has, regrettably, been blown out of proportion by those looking for fault where none exist.

Without denying any wrongdoing, may I express my sincere condolences for any wrongdoing or misrepresentation that my innocent deeds may have caused the online community? “he said.

He reaffirmed that “I would never intentionally engage in any activity that would violate my responsibilities as a role model” to the effect that the video was only for clout and entertainment.

The singer-songwriter, who sang “Bangdadadang” and “Baby Oil,” stated that he had not sexually assaulted any minors.

I have not engaged in or considered any acts of sexual predation, sexual assault, or other inappropriate behavior toward the other sex.

He claimed the video was merely a marketing ploy for his new single, Village Girl, and that he lived up to strict moral standards.

Five months after Speed Darlington’s arrest in November 2024, this controversy comes only five months after his release from custody.

Burna Boy, Speed Darlington, and P. Diddy are COMBO members.

After accusing fellow artist Burna Boy of dating American rapper Diddy, he was arrested.

His diss track “Baby Oil,” which gained popularity online, was born out of the clash. He was detained during an Owerri concert and remained there for several weeks before being released in January of 2025 on a $ 20 million bail.

David Beckham hospital update as reason star underwent secret surgery revealed

ExCLUSIVE: David Beckham, the football legend, has undergone an operation while his wife Victoria Beckham has remained by his side despite a difficult time.

David Beckham was taken to hospital for an operation (Image: victoriabeckham/Instagram)

David Beckham is recovering in hospital after an operation on his wrist which has been causing him pain – but he won’t let it get in the way of football. His loving wife Victoria Beckham shared a snap of him lying in bed, with his arm in a sling.

“Get well soon, Daddy,” she wrote over the snap of him smiling while wearing a hospital gown. She also gave him a friendship bracelet made with white beads to form ‘Get Well Soon’. The couple have yet to reveal what happened to the former England star.

A source close to David confirmed Sir David underwent secret surgery to repair a broken wrist that he sustained 22 years ago – during a friendly football match against South Africa in 2003.

David Beckham in hospital
David shared snaps from his hospital bed(Image: victoriabeckham/Instagram)

“It had been giving him problems recently and so he wanted to get it fixed,” the source confirmed. They also added that he planned to check out of the hospital soon and “hoped” to be able to get to Atlanta in time for his Inter Miami football team’s next knockout match in the Fifa world Cup against his former club Paris Saint Germain on Sunday.

David’s injury comes amid a family feud with eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola, 30, have made headlines in recent weeks over speculation of a ‘feud’ with his family, including his parents David, 50, and Victoria, 51.

Continue reading the article.

Brooklyn teased Nicola as his world in the caption, saying he loved her. He added the word “my” to an emoji that depicts the globe. He also emailed a heart emoji to the photo, saying, “My absolute angel.”

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham
Victoria has been supporting her husband during his operation (Image: Getty Images)

In a rare show of love for his own family, he later shared a message with David’s mother Sandra on his Facebook page. He posted a photo of himself next to his grandmother to celebrate her birthday. Nanny xx loves you so much, wrote Brooklyn.

He is said to have contacted his family on social media for the first time. David also shared a personal gushing post to celebrate the birthday of his mother.

He even nodded Brooklyn after refusing to participate in his son’s recent spate of social media digs and snubs.

Despite the claims that David and Brooklyn allegedly fell out, the post’s caption also included Brooklyn. In recent months, Brooke and Nicola have snuck into a number of significant family occasions, including David’s milestone 50th birthday celebrations in Paris and London and Victoria’s 51st birthday.

Continue reading the article.

Since learning that the former England player has finally received his long-sought knighthood, they have also remained silent.

However, the hot sauce enthusiast shared a sweet post on his Stories this week that included a birthday wish for Nelson, Nicola’s father.

READ MORE: ‘Super well made’ necklace so hard to break it’s got a lifetime warranty for under £50

Substituted players to be interviewed during Premier League games

Images courtesy of Getty
  • 1398 Comments

Next season’s Premier League TV coverage will include touchline interviews with substitute players and camera access to dressing rooms.

Camera operators will also be able to film close-ups of goal celebrations for a brief period of time on the field of play.

The developments, which were first reported in the Telegraph, coincide with the start of a new four-year domestic TV deal.

The agreement, which will cost a record £6.6 billion, will allow Sky and TNT to broadcast 270 live games each season.

The substitute players will be given a cooling-down period before being interviewed on the touchline during the game, according to BBC Sport.

However, information on how frequently this will occur in matches and how many matches will it apply to has not yet been made.

During team discussions, access to the dressing room will be restricted and never permitted.

In the United States, such coverage is a common feature of sports, but it is uncommon in the UK.

The BBC will continue to air Premier League highlights on Match of the Day in accordance with the new TV deal.

related subjects

  • Premier League
  • Football

Substituted players to be interviewed during Premier League games

Images courtesy of Getty
  • 1398 Comments

Next season’s Premier League TV coverage will include touchline interviews with substitute players and camera access to dressing rooms.

Camera operators will also be able to film close-ups of goal celebrations for a brief period of time on the field of play.

The developments, which were first reported in the Telegraph, coincide with the start of a new four-year domestic TV deal.

The agreement, which will cost a record £6.6 billion, will allow Sky and TNT to broadcast 270 live games each season.

The substitute players will be given a cooling-down period before being interviewed on the touchline during the game, according to BBC Sport.

However, information on how frequently this will occur in matches and how many matches will it apply to has not yet been made.

During team discussions, access to the dressing room will be restricted and never permitted.

In the United States, such coverage is a common feature of sports, but it is uncommon in the UK.

The BBC will continue to air Premier League highlights on Match of the Day in accordance with the new TV deal.

related subjects

  • Premier League
  • Football