News
EFCC’s counsel lied, I wasn’t harassed by Yahaya Bello’s security aides, witness tells court
Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, said, at the conclusion of cross-examination on Friday, that he felt the need to make the clarification on the allegation, raised by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, at the beginning of the day’s proceedings.
The judge adjourned to July 3 and 4 for continuation of trial and July 21 for ruling on the application to travel.
The fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has refuted, strongly, claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer that he was harassed by security aides of the former governor.
Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, said, at the conclusion of cross-examination on Friday, that he felt the need to make the clarification on the allegation, raised by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, at the beginning of the day’s proceedings.
“My Lord, I wish to clarify the matter raised earlier before the commencement of proceedings. I was not harassed by any of the security details attached to the defendant.
“I was not harassed at all, and I felt the need to clarify this, my lord,” he stated.
The Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, also called the attention of the Judge to a story on the EFCC’s website, alleging that the Commission’s witness was harassed.
He also said the EFCC misrepresented the facts of the previous day’s court proceedings.
Responding, Pinheiro, SAN said he would call the attention of the EFCC office to the matter.
The witness, during cross-examination by Joseph Daudu, SAN, the Defendant’s Counsel, also comfirmed that the former governor was neither a signatory to nor connected with any of the accounts presented as evidence.
He admitted that, going through Exhibit 22A, from pages 24 to 413, Yahaya Bello was not also listed on any of the documents as a beneficiary of any transaction.
“I am here to speak on the documents before me. From the document, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s name did not feature in any description or as beneficiary in any transaction in the documents before me,” he confirmed.
The compliance officer had earlier mentioned the signatories on the accounts managed for the Kogi State Government House Administration and also comfirmed letters that introduced those who replaced some key officials along the line.
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, objected, saying that the Defendant’s counsel should restrict his question to the document and not ask the witness who benefitted.
“The witness is not an expert of law,” he argued.
“But the witness, as an expert, knows what to say,” Justice Nwite responded.
The witness had earlier explained that he supervises a cluster of 13 branches within Abuja and other places like Gwagwalada, University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello way, Baze University, Garki, and Garki Ultra Modern Market, among others.
He also admitted that his clusters did not extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
The witness was earlier told to identify the signatories to the accounts and their designations, considering the documents tendered as evidence.
He mentioned the names, ranging from the Permanent Secretary to the Chief Accountant, and accountant.
On the issue of harassment, the EFCC’s lawyer had raised an observation that the witness was harassed by one of the security details attached to the defendant.
The Defendant’s counsel doubted the claim, noting that he had always known his client to be a man of peace.
He, however, assured the court that he would investigate the allegation and report back accordingly.
The judge thereafter urged the defendant’s counsel to thoroughly investigate the matter.
However, at the close of cross-examination, the prosecution witness sought the court’s permission to address the allegation made earlier.
The defendant’s counsel commended the witness for his honesty and integrity in coming forward to clarify the situation.
He then informed the court about the application for the retrieval of the Defendant’s travel documents.
But the prosecution said they had filed a counter-affidavit to the application, arguing that the application was technically incompetent.
Pinherio said the same application was filed at the FCT High Court, adding that it was an abuse of court process.
Daudu, SAN, said the prosecution was the one guilty of abuse of court process.
“We were served with the counter affidavit yesterday and we, overnight, filed a further affidavit to the complainant’s counter affidavit with two exhibits as well.
“My lord, the substance of the application is for the release of his international passport in line with the conditions for the bail that if he needs, he has to apply to court.
“He has medical needs to attend to during the period of the vacation. After eight years of not traveling, he needs to attend to certain aspects of his health,” Daudu, SAN said.
The judge adjourned to July 3 and 4 for continuation of trial and July 21 for ruling on the application to travel.
Justice Nwite had, on Thursday, rejected a move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to ‘cross-examine’ its third witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering case against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, Chief Executive Officer of Efab Property Limited, had, at a previous hearing, said there was no wired transfer of fees from the Kogi State Government or any of the local Governments in the state to the account of the American school.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has approved the creation of a dedicated New Media Office within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and appointed Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ali Giwa to lead it.
The move forms part of an ongoing restructuring of the Force’s communication apparatus. CSP Ali Giwa, a cybersecurity specialist who has served at the National Cybercrime Centre since February 2025, will head the newly established unit focused on digital and social media engagement.
This development follows the recent removal of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). Hundeyin, who held the position for approximately six months, has been replaced by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid as the new FPRO.CSP Giwa brings significant experience in public relations to his new role.
He previously served as Assistant Force Public Relations Officer at the Annex in Obalende, Lagos (2017–2022), Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Lagos State (2014–2017), and Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited.
The appointments and creation of the New Media Office aim to strengthen the NPF’s public communication strategy, particularly in managing online narratives, educating citizens on social media platforms, and enhancing overall media relations amid evolving security challenges.
An official statement from the Force Headquarters is expected shortly to confirm the details and outline the mandates of the new structure.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) in a strategic move to bolster the leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The promotions, announced on Friday, March 6, 2026, followed a thorough evaluation process involving merit-based assessments, seniority considerations, service records, written examinations, and oral interviews held at the PSC’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The newly elevated officers are:
– Zachariah Fera Achinyan, fdc (formerly AIG Zone 4, Makurdi)
– Zango Ibrahim Baba (formerly AIG Department of Logistics and Supply)
– Isyaku Mohammed (formerly AIG Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja)
– Margaret Agebe Ochalla (formerly AIG FCID Annex, Lagos)
– Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, mni (formerly AIG Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja)
– Kenechukwu Onwuemelie (formerly AIG Zone 15, Maiduguri)
– Umar Shehu Nadada, mni (formerly AIG Zone 14, Katsina)
These elevations come on the heels of the recent confirmation of DIG Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of DIG, positioning him to join the Force Management Team.
The PSC noted that the promotions are essential to address vacancies arising from the retirement of eight DIGs who previously held key strategic roles.
In a statement, PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, congratulated the promoted officers and charged them to justify the trust placed in them by upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national security and fostering stronger collaboration with the Commission to advance ongoing reforms and development within the NPF.
The development is seen as part of broader efforts to refresh senior leadership in the force amid recent retirements, including that of prominent DIG Frank Mba and others, ensuring continuity and strengthened operational capacity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.
The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.
POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN.
T&T POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.
President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.
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