News
UPDATED: Yahaya Bello: Justice Anenih Reserves Ruling on Bail Application Until December 10
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has scheduled December 10, 2024, to deliver rulings on bail applications filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants.
This decision followed arguments presented by Bello’s counsel, Joseph Bodunde Dauda (SAN), and opposing submissions by EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor categorically denied the allegations as they were read out by the court registrar.
After their pleas, Bello’s lawyer moved a motion for bail, arguing that the application, filed on November 22, was supported by an affidavit and written address. Dauda cited the defendant’s appearance in court as evidence of respect for the law.
However, Pinheiro objected, asserting that the earlier bail application had lapsed in October. Pinheiro argued further that Bello’s refusal to appear in another pending case at the Federal High Court raised concerns.
Dauda countered, emphasizing that issues from another court should not influence the present case. He invoked the constitutional presumption of innocence, insisting that Bello was entitled to liberty while preparing for trial.
The EFCC pushed for immediate trial commencement, stating its readiness to call witnesses, but Bello’s counsel requested more time, noting that they had only been served with the charge on November 26.
For the second defendant, the EFCC raised concerns about the likelihood of reoffending, given his role as Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. The defense dismissed these claims, arguing that no evidence supported allegations of habitual misconduct.
Justice Anenih adjourned her ruling on the bail applications to December 10. In the interim, the court ordered the defendants to remain in EFCC custody.
Meanwhile, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, earlier admitted to administrative bail, were present in court alongside Bello for the first time.
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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