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.
A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.
Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.
One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.
News
Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman
Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
News
IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.
The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
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