News
BREAKING: Court Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Quash N110bn Fraud Charge
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.
News
Reps move to reform military laws
Abbas urged stakeholders, including serving and retired military officers, civil society organisations, gender advocates, legal practitioners and members of the public, to actively participate in the legislative process.
The House of Representatives has commenced move to reform military laws.
Speaking at a two-day public hearing organised by the House Committee on Defence in Abuja on Monday, Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, said that the proposed legislations were designed to address the country’s evolving security challenges and build a more resilient and effective military institution.
He said that the bills were in line with the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives and reflected lawmakers’ commitment to reforming the nation’s defence sector.
He added that emerging threats such as maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, cyber warfare and the growing nexus between organised crime and terrorism had further underscored the need for comprehensive reforms.
The Speaker said among the key bills under consideration are the Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme Bill, which seeks to link food security initiatives with military operations, particularly in conflict-prone agricultural communities.
Others include the Gender Representation in the Armed Forces Bill, aimed at promoting inclusiveness in military recruitment and service; the Nigerian Military Force Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the Armed Forces Act to align military administration with contemporary realities; and the Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria Bill, intended to improve the welfare of retired military personnel.
Abbas urged stakeholders, including serving and retired military officers, civil society organisations, gender advocates, legal practitioners and members of the public, to actively participate in the legislative process.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, described the hearing as a critical platform for citizens and stakeholders to contribute to shaping laws that would strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security framework.
News
FG to launch digital address system to boost national security
Tijani disclosed this at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System Workshop in Abuja, yesterday.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said that a nationwide digital postcode system will be launched by the Federal Government in October, with several states expected to be covered before the end of the year.
Tijani disclosed this at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System Workshop in Abuja, yesterday.
He explained that the initiative would assign a unique digital address to every building in Nigeria, including those in rural communities, enabling security agencies, businesses and public institutions to accurately identify and locate people and properties.
The minister said the project is a critical national infrastructure designed to address Nigeria’s long-standing challenge of lacking a reliable and standardised addressing system.
He noted that the absence of accurate addresses has hampered crime investigations, emergency response services and identity verification processes, while creating opportunities for fraud.
News
FG to roll out 10,000 electric tricycles in August –Shettima
The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.
• A visit by Transporters For Tinubu/Shettima 2027 at the State House
Vice President Kashim Shettima said has that the Federal Government would roll out 10,000 electric tricycles in August 2026 as part of a broader plan to ease public transportation and strengthen Nigeria’s logistics chain.
Shettima disclosed this during a visit by Transporters For Tinubu/Shettima 2027 at the State House, saying the tricycles would be distributed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for use across the North East and beyond.
He added that President Bola Tinubu had approved replicating the initiative through other regional development commissions nationwide.
The President has approved the replication of the initiative in other parts of the country by the various regional development commissions.
“This administration is determined to build a transport economy that lowers the cost of movement, reduces delays at ports, connects farms to markets, strengthens national productivity and gives transporters a more dignified place in the country’s development process,” he said.
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