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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.
News
Senate confirms Oyedele as minister
During the screening, Oyedele proffered solutions to getting out of the various economic issues in the country.
The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance.
His confirmation comes after two hours of screening as lawmakers grilled him on various aspects of the economy.
Oyedele’s screening followed a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, after he called for the suspension of the Senate rule to allow strangers to come into the chamber.
During the screening, Oyedele proffered solutions to getting out of the various economic issues in the country.
Oyedele was escorted to the chamber by Bashir Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on the National Assembly ( Senate), alongside others.
His screening followed President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate on Tuesday, requesting his confirmation as a minister.
Tinubu had, on March 3, nominated Oyedele, who currently serves as chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, as Minister of State for Finance.
News
Tinubu appoints Lamido Yuguda as CBN’s Deputy Governor
Lamido Yuguda’s last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The appointment is in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The President charges Yuguda to discharge his responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Lamido Yuguda’s last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024.
He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated in 1983 with a B.Sc. in Accountancy.
In 1991, he obtained a master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a CFA charterholder.
He began his career in 1984 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department.
He also worked as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund from 1997 to 2001, when he returned to the CBN.
He retired from the CBN in 2016, after he had served as Director of the Reserve Management Department for six years.
News
JUST IN: IGP Disu Assigns Portfolios to New DIGs
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services, DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has assigned the new Deputy Inspectors -General of Police (DIGs) their duties responsibilities.
Sources said that the DIGs were assigned departments based on their areas of competence.
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services,
DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
Similarly, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID);
DIG Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman to Finance and Accounts; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie will oversee the Force Intelligence Department (FID); DIG Fayoade Adegoke will head Information and Communication Technology, while DIG Umar Shehu Nadada has been posted to Operations departments.
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