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.
A new documentary on the life and political struggle of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola is set to premiere in Nigerian cinemas in October.
Titled MKO, the 108-minute film is directed by Ose Oyamendan and produced with American documentary filmmaker Mark Jonathan Harris. It explores the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as free and fair, Abiola’s subsequent detention, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his death in custody in 1998.
The documentary features interviews with key figures including former military rulers Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Abiola’s running mate Baba Gana Kingibe, members of the Abiola family, journalists, and diplomats.
Oyamendan, who worked as a young journalist during the June 12 crisis, has described the film as an investigative documentary that examines Nigeria’s unfinished democratic journey. It had its world premiere earlier this year at the Sheffield DocFest in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian cinema release is scheduled for early October, with some reports linking the premiere to Independence Day on October 1.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Board’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB defined an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise as any candidate who will be less than 16 years old as at September 30, 2026.
Benjamin said the results were released primarily to enable candidates and their parents or guardians to know their performance in the examination. However, he stressed that the release does not confer eligibility for admission on all underage candidates.
According to him, the results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose, except by candidates who satisfy the stringent requirements prescribed for exceptionally performing underage candidates.
Candidates can check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card with which they registered for the UTME.
JAMB reiterated that only underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity will be considered for admission through a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process. Key requirements include a minimum UTME score of 320, at least 80 per cent performance in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects where applicable, satisfaction of the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions, and a final assessment conducted by experts.
Veteran journalist Mr. Ohi Odiai and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai, today mark their 17th wedding anniversary, a milestone that highlights an enduring partnership built on mutual support, professional excellence, and family.
Mr. Odiai serves as Deputy Head of News at Arise News TV, one of Nigeria’s leading television networks. He is also the CEO and Chief Editor of Ohibaba.Com, the online news platform he founded and continues to steer as a key voice in digital journalism. His career spans years of impactful reporting, newsroom leadership, and media innovation.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai is the owner and founder of Bukbeth Concepts Classic, a business reflecting her entrepreneurial drive and creative vision. Together, the couple has built a home grounded in shared values and quiet strength.
The family is blessed with three children — two boys and a girl — who form the heart of their journey.
Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers describe the Odiais as a model of resilience and partnership in both public and private life.
As they celebrate 17 years of marriage today, September 5, 2026, the couple is receiving warm congratulations from across the media and business communities. Their story stands as a reminder that lasting unions thrive on commitment, respect, and the everyday work of building a life together.
Happy anniversary to Mr. Ohi Odiai and Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai.
MKO Abiola’s Documentary to hit Cinemas in October
Trump sends envoys to Russia, Ukraine with new peace plan
BREAKING: JAMB releases underage UTME results, clarifies admission conditions
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business1 day agoOkin Biscuits Set For Comeback After 17 Years, Targets Revival Of Jobs, Local Manufacturing
-
Business2 days agoForest Sector Employs 42m People Globally – FAO
-
News1 day agoBREAKING: FG Harmonizes Workers’ Salaries
-
News1 day agoToxic fumes kill 37 in Okrika oil tragedy
-
Politics1 day agoNduka Obaigbena Challenges Tinubu, Atiku, Obi on 2027 election campaigns
-
News1 day agoFG Announces Two Weeks Closure of First Niger Bridge for Repairs
-
Business2 days agoEntrepreneurship: “How I Made N10m Monthly From Akara Burger” – Gov Eno
-
International2 days agoUber introduces robotaxi services in London after exiting Nigeria