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Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

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. Ali Bello, Suleman refute EFCC’s allegations in amended charges

There was confusion on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following amended charges filed against Alli Bello and Daudu Suleiman, including the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claimed they allegedly diverted about N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, months before former Governor Bello assumed office as Governor.

Governor Bello was not a defendant in the original suit, and was not in court. However, Ali Bello, currently Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor and Dauda Suleman have denied the fraud allegations in the amended charges brought against them at the fresh aaraignment on Thursday in Abuja.

Their plea was taken by Justice James Kolawole Omotoso.

Both Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman vehemently denied the allegations contained in the 17 counts amended charges.

Earlier, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, had objected to reading of the amended charges to his client.

His ground of objection was that the anti-graft agency had failed woefully to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The senior lawyer submitted that a copy of the amended charges was not served on them as required by the provisions of the ACJA Act.

EECC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN asked the court to reject the arguments of the defendant, adding that the court had on its own endorsed the amendment.

In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled that he had granted accelerated hearing in the matter and had also ordered that all forms of objections must be kept in abeyance till address stage.

He then directed the Registrar of the Court to read the amended charges.

In the first count, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were accused of conspiring with each other in September 2015 and converted N80, 246, 470, 089 to their personal use.

They were alleged to have run foul of section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 because they ought to have reasonably known that the money was a product of fraud and criminal breach of public trust.

In other charges, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were alleged to have concealed several millions of naira with one Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau De Change BDC operator trading under Global Venture in Abuja.

Alli Bello’s counsel, Aliyu SAN, at this point, applied that one of the EFCC witnesses, Edward Fanada, be recalled for fresh cross examination in view of the contents of the amended charges.

The request was granted by Justice James Kolawole Omotoso due to no opposition from the EFCC lawyer.

Meanwhile, Justice Omotoso has ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted them in the previous charges.

Crime

Wanted Soldier Arrested for Supplying Military Gear to Terrorists

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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier recently declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.

Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by personnel of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri. He was reportedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon when he was arrested following credible human intelligence.

The soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23. Preliminary investigations indicate that he absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri. He allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.

The military said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.

Private Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.

Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or engage in any form of criminality, regardless of their status.

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BREAKING: DSS, Zamfara Forces Rescue 4 Kidnapped Students

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In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Zamfara State security forces have successfully rescued the four remaining students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, who were abducted by suspected bandits.

The joint operation marks the latest success in efforts to secure the release of victims from the June abduction incident, where gunmen stormed off-campus student accommodations in the early hours, taking several students hostage.

Security sources confirmed that the students were recovered unharmed during intelligence-led raids. Details of the exact location and circumstances of the rescue are still emerging, but authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated.

This rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued communities and educational institutions. Earlier reports indicated that seven students were initially kidnapped, with some previously rescued or having escaped.

The Zamfara State Police Command and DSS have been praised for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the region. Families of the rescued students expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace in the northwest and urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security forces. Further updates on the investigation and possible arrests are expected.

This is a developing story.

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Crime

DSS Set to Arraign Three Suspects Over Oriire School Abductions

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The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspects before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, over their alleged involvement in the Oriire school abductions and related terrorism activities.

The suspects — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar) — all hail from Niger State. They face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.

According to the charges, the defendants are accused of knowingly withholding vital information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, actively participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.

The planned arraignment marks the formal commencement of their criminal trial. The court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas and issue further directions on the matter.

The development comes as security agencies continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire and similar incidents across the region.

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