News
BREAKING: Court grants ex-Gov Bello N500m bail
…Adjourns to Feb 24 for continuation of hearing.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
This was after the former governor had pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N80bn but pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
When the case was called for hearing, on Friday, Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, notified the court of the intention of the Prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.
He said the application had been overtaken by events. The Defendant’s Counsels, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object and Justice Emeka Nwite, accordingly granted the request.
After the Defendant had taken his plea, Daudu SAN made clarifications on the reasons he had not been in court during the previous hearings.
“I would like to place on record that for any impression that might have been created that the Defendant did not wish to appear before your lordship, coincidentally, the ruling on my lord’s sitting this morning dealt with the issue of jurisdiction.
“What the Defendant did was to ask his counsel to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, which got to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“So it was not a wishful disrespect but he was only trying to defend himself. So we all hold your lordship in high esteem. If that impression must have been, he should not have presented himself for arraignment.
That episode is gone and things are clearer now,” the Counsel stated. While moving an application for bail, he assured that the former Governor would always be present in court for the trial.
“I am saying this with the highest sense of responsibility that the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State, who travelled only two times out of his eight years in service, will always be present in court at all times.
“There should be no apprehension that he will jump bail. So we urge your lordship to grant us very reasonable conditions of bail such that he will be able to bear,” the Defendant’s Counsel said.
He commended the Prosecution Counsel, saying he had conducted himself in the best tradition because the matter was not a do-or-die one.
He said they had agreed that the counsels would not stress his lordship over the issue of bail.
The Prosecution Counsel concurred.Pinheiro, SAN, said, “I must express my honour to the very eminent lead senior counsel. He is a man of immense stature, not because of his size.
“I do respect him as president of NBA. I also confirm that we have been engaging in series of discussion to ease the burden on your lordship in compliance with Rule 26 of Rules of Professional Ethics.
“I also note that your lordship had delivered not less than five rulings in this matter and it is our aim to ease the work.
We are prosecutors not persecutors and EFCC is a professional commission, a prosecutorial and not prosecutorial commission,” he said.
He added, “We accept the assurances of the very eminent SAN that the defendant will make himself available subject to your lordship’s discretionary terms that may be imposed.
“By so doing, we will ease the burden on the court. Therefore, we will not be opposing the eminent SAN’s submission.
“The Prosecution Counsel said though they had filed a counter-affidavit, they would not oppose the bail, going by the assurances of the learned SAN.Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of both counsels.
It is not in dispute that both counsels have filed applications in respect of this.
“Based on the account exhibited by learned counsel for the defendant, which was exhibited and supported by prosecution counsel, I am minded to change my earlier stand on this matter.
“He granted the Defendant N500 million bail with two sureties.
“Sureties must be landed property owners within the jurisdiction of this court. They must swear to affidavit of means. The title deeds of priority to be verified by the court registrar,” he said.
The Defendant was also asked to submit his international passport while he would remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of the bail conditions.
Recall that the ex-governor was earlier remanded in a fresh N110bn charge by the EFCC, pending his bail application.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has congratulated the Muslim community in Anambra State and across Nigeria on the celebration of this year’s Eid Kabir (Eid al-Adha).
Governor Soludo expressed his goodwill while recognising the profound significance of the holy festival for Muslims, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devout faith and obedience to Allah’s command.
The Governor said the celebration reminds everyone of the virtues of sacrifice, devotion, and submission to divine will that transcend religious boundaries and speak to our common humanity.
He acknowledges the valuable contributions of the Muslim brothers and sisters to the socio-economic development of Anambra State, noting that the peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths in the state remains a source of pride and a tribute to the shared values of tolerance, respect, and unity.
Soludo said: “As we celebrate this festival of sacrifice and feasting, the Governor calls upon all Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of Eid Kabir, particularly the importance of selflessness, compassion for the less privileged, and devotion to the common good, values that align perfectly with our administration’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious society”.
The Governor wishes all Muslim faithful in Anambra State and Nigeria a joyous and blessed Eid Kabir celebration, filled with peace, prosperity, spiritual fulfillment and renewed commitment to a better society for all.
Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais has died at the age of 89.
Recall that Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, and served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.
He was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to judicial reform and the protection of judicial independence throughout his tenure.
The family confirmed his passing in a brief statement today, saying: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. With hearts heavy yet full of gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation.
”According to the statement, funeral rites were scheduled to take place immediately after Juma’at prayers today at the National Mosque in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu has on Thursday called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”
Tinubu gave the assurance in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.He insisted that his economic reforms had already started yielding positive results even though the journey had not been easy.
Read full message below:
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.
While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.
To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah’s will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.
Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country.
I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms.
Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.
Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results.
I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.
We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction.
Soon, all will feel the benefits.
The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development.
There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all.
Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives.
We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it.
As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being during this season and always.
In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis.
Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.
Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.
Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties.
Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.
May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.
May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation.
May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.
Governor Soludo Congratulates Muslim community in Anambra State and across Nigeria
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