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BREAKING: Court Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Quash N110bn Fraud Charge

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking to quash the N110 billion (approximately $60 million) fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruled that the trial should proceed without delay.

The development marks a significant setback for the former governor, who has been facing allegations of money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and diversion of public funds during his tenure as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. Bello, along with two co-defendants, is accused in a multi-count charge involving the alleged conversion of state resources for personal use.

Justice of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered the ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. Bello’s legal team had filed the application, challenging aspects of the charge and seeking to have it nullified on various grounds. The court, however, found no merit in the bid and ordered the continuation of the full trial.

This ruling comes amid an ongoing high-profile prosecution where the EFCC has continued to present evidence, including bank records and witness testimonies linking substantial fund movements to Bello and his associates. The case has seen several procedural hurdles, including previous bail applications that were denied and appeals related to jurisdiction.

Bello has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and describing the case as politically motivated. He pleaded not guilty when formally arraigned. His lawyers have indicated they will explore further legal options while preparing for the substantive trial.

The EFCC welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a victory for accountability and the rule of law. “No one is above the law, and public officials must be held responsible for the management of state resources,” an EFCC source said.

The trial has attracted significant public and political attention, given Bello’s prominence in Nigerian politics and his influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Proceedings are expected to resume with further witness testimonies and document presentations in the coming weeks.

This latest ruling reinforces the court’s commitment to ensuring the case is heard on its merits, amid broader efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.

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200 Kaduna varsity lecturers resign over poor condition of service

Most of the lecturers who left the institution secured appointments in newer universities within and outside Kaduna State.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concern over the departure of more than 200 lecturers of Kaduna State University, (KASU).

Chairman of ASUU-KASU, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed this at a press conference on Monday in Kaduna, lamenting that lecturers, including professors, left the institution due to poor conditions of service and non-implementation of the 2025 Federal Government- ASUU Agreement.

Abdullahi said that most of the lecturers who left the institution secured appointments in newer universities within and outside Kaduna State.

Consequently, the Union has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Kaduna State Government and university authorities to implement and domesticate the agreement.

The union warned that failure to act within the period could result in a total and indefinite strike at the university.

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Edo House of Assembly Elect New Speaker Idiaye, Hints Why Agbebaku Resign

“Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards. So we decided to say no.”

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The new Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Yekini Idiaye

The Edo House of Assembly has sworn in a newly elected Speaker , Yekini Idiaye, following the resignation of the former speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.

Speaking in an interview after his swearing-in ceremony in Benin, Idiaye pledged the full cooperation of the house to the state executive, describing Governor Monday Okpebholo as a performing leader who deserved legislative backings.

“He is doing a lot for the people of Edo, so we have to cooperate with him to move the state forward,” he added.

Fielding question on the exit of the former speaker, Idiaye cited the challenges of corruption and poor leadership.

Idiaye said: ” There’s corruption here and there. Every now and then it is adjournment — we resume tomorrow, adjournment for another 30 days, 20 days — and we were all not too happy with this leadership style.”

The new speaker pointed out that a weak legislature directly affected the executive, adding that the house had to act to protect the governor’s performance.

“Once the leadership is poor, it will drag the work of the governor backwards. So we decided to say no.”

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Defence Headquarters say X Account Compromised

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement, describing the incident as a cybersecurity matter.

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a notification to the public, media representatives, and relevant stakeholders regarding the compromise of its official account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement, describing the incident as a cybersecurity matter.

He said “appropriate technical measures had been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access.”

Uba assured the public that efforts were ongoing to fully restore control of the account, while advising members of the public to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content posted from the account during the period.

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