Case adjourned to March 6, 7 for continuation of trial

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, adjourned the money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to March 6 and 7, 2025, for continuation of trial.

The court adjourned after the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called his two witnesses, one on subpoena.

When Pinheiro, SAN, called the first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected, saying that the witness’ name was not included in the initial list of witnesses provided by the prosecution.

This, he said, could affect his cross-examination.

The trial, however, proceeded and the witness, who identified himself as the General Manager of Efab Properties Limited, was asked to tell the court what he knows about a property on 1, Ikogosi Road, Maitama and another one in Gwarinpa.

Adeleke told the court that the name of the former governor did not reflect on any of the two properties being examined on Monday and that he did not sight him throughout the transactions.

Giving an account of what transpired, he said sometime in 2020, his chairman, Chief Fabian Nwora, introduced him to a young man called Shehu Bello and that they had a discussion concerning the purchase of the property.

“We had a discussion concerning the purchase of the property in question. And he told me that the young man would be coming back to make payment for the property at an agreed price of N550 million,” he said.

When asked if he had seen Shehu Bello since that day, he said, “I saw him three times. The first time was for introduction, the second time for payment and the third time was when he brought a legal document for the execution of the EFAB property.”

The EFCC lawyer then mentioned another property at 5th Avenue in Gwarinpa and told the witness to tell the court what he knows about it.

Responding, the witness said the property was purchased by one Nuhu Mohammed for N70 million and was paid for through a bank transfer.

He was asked if he remembered which bank the money came from, but he said no.

On cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Daudu, SAN, asked if the witness’ actions were purely based on the instructions of his chairman. He responded, “Yes.”

The counsel further asked whether it was correct to say that he did not initiate any discussion with Shehu Bello on his own, to which he also answered, “Yes.”

On the documents signed for the transactions, the Defendant’s Counsel asked the witness if he could confirm that Shehu Bello signed his own part in his presence.

“He did not my Lord,” he answered.

Daudu, SAN, also asked: “Throughout this transaction, did you set eye on the defendant?”

“Not at anytime in the course of this transaction,” the witness responded.

He was also asked if the name of the defendant appeared anywhere on the documents he said were with the EFCC.

He, again, answered, “no!”
The Prosecution then told the court that they had another witness to call, on subpoena.

The Defendant’s Counsel objected that they were being taken by surprise but added that he had no intention of stalling the trial.

The second witness identified herself as Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA).

She had the subpoena with her, which the lawyer sought to tender as evidence.

The Defendant’s counsel had no objection and it was marked “Exhibit 1”.

The witness read out the documents the subpoena asked for to include the statement of account of Kogi State Government House, from January 1, 2016 to January 31, 2024.

The statements of account of Maselina Njoku, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were also admitted in evidence, including the account opening packages of American International School and statements of accounts, from September 1 to September 30, 2020.

Justice Emeka Nwite then adjourned to March 6 and 7, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Police in Anambra State have confirmed the escape of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnap and eventual murder of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

The remains of the late Azuka were interred over the weekend in his hometown, Onitsha.

However, disturbing news of the escape of two of his suspected killers had been circulating, albeit unconfirmed.

In a press statement, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was working to rearrest the fugitives and that operatives involved in the case would face sanctions.

His statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report today, 18th February 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets of the command to ensure their re-arrest.

He has also ordered immediate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable in the matter.

“Preliminary findings reveal that, following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities.

During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. However, the other two suspects managed to escape.

“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements in the state.

Efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. Any officers found to have been negligent will also face disciplinary action.”

A popular church in Anambra State ( Children of the Light Anointing Ministry), has been sealed by the Anambra State’s Government, for alleged involvement in money  ritual practices.

The Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, said the action was taken in response to public complaints and a video where the pastor allegedly admitted to practising “Oke Ite” and other rituals.

Emeakayi noted that the state government will conduct forensic tests on liquid substances found at the church.

He added: “While the state government does not oppose any religious practice, it will not tolerate those that promote a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality.

Additionally, forensic experts will analyse samples from River Bethsaida, where the spiritualist, also known as ‘Aka na Asa Uchu’, is said to conduct baths for individuals.

“The investigation aims to determine any potential health hazards associated with the practice. The Anambra State government remains committed to curbing fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state.”

The church located in Amafor village, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, is run by Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha, well known as ‘Onye Eze Jesus’

It was sealed by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, ‘Agunechemba’, during their visit to the premises on Sunday.

It was gathered that the church was sealed on Sunday, February 16, 2025, over alleged involvement in “Oke-Ite” traditional practice. “Oke-Ite” is a concoction made from human parts, animals, and herbs mixed in a mud pot and used for money rituals.

The Anambra State Government was said to have identified the practice as a fraudulent scheme used by native doctors to deceive unsuspecting victims. The government disclosed that It noted that some substances, including containers and other items, were found at the premises.

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