News
Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s arraignment as parties await decision on transfer of case
In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, on charges of alleged money laundering has been adjourned to July 17, 2024. This adjournment follows discussions regarding the potential transfer of the case to the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, based on Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act.
Here are the key points from the proceedings:
- Application for Transfer: Yahaya Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court about an application before the Chief Judge for the transfer of the case (FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024) to the Federal High Court in Lokoja. This application was made due to the territorial jurisdiction where the alleged offences were said to have occurred during Bello’s tenure as Governor of Kogi State.
- Court’s Response: The court considered the application for transfer but also noted the objection from the prosecution, represented by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The EFCC argued that the matter should proceed with the arraignment as scheduled, emphasizing that the application for transfer did not discharge the defendant’s undertaking to appear in court.
- Legal Arguments: Adeola Adedipe explained that his accidental appearance at the last hearing was due to miscommunication regarding representation. He highlighted the administrative process initiated by the Chief Judge to consider the transfer request and argued that the matter now rested with the judicial decision-making process.
- Contempt Concerns: The EFCC counsel expressed dissatisfaction with the delay caused by the application for transfer, hinting at potential contempt proceedings against Bello’s legal team for failing to produce the defendant despite earlier assurances.
- Outcome and Adjournment: After deliberations, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to July 17, 2024, for ruling on the application for transfer and for the arraignment of Yahaya Bello, depending on the court’s decision regarding jurisdiction.
The case underscores ongoing legal maneuvers and procedural challenges typical in high-profile criminal proceedings, highlighting the intersection of legal technicalities and the pursuit of justice.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Originally set to end in August 2025, his tenure will now continue until August 2026.
According to a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the extension aims to give Mr. Adeniyi the opportunity to consolidate key reforms and oversee the completion of major initiatives, including the modernisation of Customs operations, the National Single Window Project, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would bolster trade facilitation, boost revenue generation, and enhance border security.
Appointed Comptroller-General in October 2023, Adeniyi recently achieved international recognition when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.
News
Kogi Governor Commends President Tinubu over Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction
The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.
The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing unparalleled commitment towards the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja road Reconstruction, saying his action has demonstrated his unwavering determination to fix the nation’s infrastructure deficit.
The Governor while inspecting a section of the road at Kotonkarfe in Kogi State said the President represents a “coalition of excellence”.
“This is our own coalition. This is what our President is doing and we are grateful to him. This is development”, he said.
The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.
The Wife of the President Oluremi Remi Tinubu has donated the sum of one billion naira to victims of the horrific Yelwata attack in Benue State.
Oluremi Tinubu who announced the donation during her condolence visit to the state, described the killings as very unnecessary.
About 6 weeks after the heart wretching attack on Yelwata community of Guma local council of Benue State State Wife of the President Oluremi Tinubu visits to pay her condolence.
She proceeds to the new banquet hall of the Government house Makurdi where she meets with relevant stakeholders and makes a significant donation on behalf of council of the renewed hope agenda initiative.
Earlier State Governor Hyacinth Alia while appreciating the show of sympathy by the first family renewed his call for the establishment of State police.
Chairman State Council Of Chiefs the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse wants the killer terrorists flushed out of the State and neighbouring Nassarawa State.
He equally called for compensation for victims to rebuild their lives and return back to their ancestral homes.
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