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Yahaya Bello: Court fixes further hearing February 5,6

‎Crucially, the witness reiterated that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of the local government transactions under investigation – neither as sender nor recipient of funds.

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‎During the hearing today, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu, lead counsel to Yahaya Bello, told the court that the ongoing trial of his client is politically motivated rather than a genuine money laundering case.

‎Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned the money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to February 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

‎EFCC Witness Confirms Ex-Governor’s Name Not Linked to Transactions

‎During the hearing today, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu, lead counsel to Yahaya Bello, told the court that the ongoing trial of his client is politically motivated rather than a genuine money laundering case.

‎Daudu made the assertion during proceedings in the N80.2 billion money laundering case filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

‎The statement came in response to remarks by EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, who described the mode of payments from Kogi State local government areas as “stealing by disguise.”

‎During cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness (PW7), Olomotane Egoro – a Compliance Officer with Access Bank Plc – Daudu SAN elicited key admissions that bolstered the defense position.


‎Egoro, subpoenaed from Access Bank, confirmed under oath that Yahaya Bello never served as chairman of any local government in Kogi State.

He further stated that the contracts in question were awarded by local government chairmen to various contractors, as reflected in the bank statements of companies tendered and admitted as exhibits.

‎Crucially, the witness reiterated that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear in any of the local government transactions under investigation – neither as sender nor recipient of funds.

‎Addressing Exhibit 33(11) – the statement of account for Keyless Nature Limited – Egoro agreed that the entries were consistent with normal banking transactions.

‎Daudu SAN then asked: “You drew my lord’s attention to a litany of payments from the 21 local government areas, for example, on 11th October 2022, into Keyless account.

Do you know the purpose of those entries or transactions?”

The witness replied: “No, my lord.”
‎Egoro also admitted he had no knowledge of the records of any business or contractual relationship between the local governments and Keyless Nature Limited.

‎He further confirmed that a customer has the right to spend money as they wish unless fraud is involved, and that Access Bank had no court order or fraud report concerning the transactions in Exhibit 33(11).

‎On inflows into Fayzade Business Enterprise (or similar entities), the witness identified a May 6, 2022 transaction from Okene Local Government Area, noted as “supply of reading materials.”

Other payments from local governments such as Ogorimagongo, Okehi, Omala, and Yagba included purposes like education materials (N4.4 million), medical items (N7.5 million), sporting equipment (N10.8 million), and medical consumables (N12.2 million), among others ranging from agrochemicals to farm inputs.

‎Daudu SAN pressed: “Do you know if this defendant (Yahaya Bello) is a local government chairman and which local government in Kogi State?”
‎The witness responded: “No, the defendant wasn’t a local government chairman.”

Politics

Police Disrupt BAT/OGD Rally in Ogun

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

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Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.

The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.

The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.

However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.

Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.

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Supreme Court postpone ruling on ADC’s leadership disputes

A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.

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The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.

A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.

A reserved judgment (or judgment reserved) is a legal term meaning a court has postponed its final ruling to a future date, rather than delivering it immediately after a hearing.

The judge or bench takes time to carefully consider complex evidence, arguments, and legal precedents, often issuing a written decision later.

Justice Garba made the announcement after lawyers to parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their reliefs.

Mark’s appeal, marked: SC/CV/180/2026 is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

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Adelabu to resign as power minister

Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.

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The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu will be resigning his position as minister of power in the coming days.

This was disclosed this morning by Mr Tunji Bolaji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister.

According to Bolaji, Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.

He said that the timing of the minister’s anticipated resignation reflected his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office.

According to him, Adelabu, on Tuesday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.”

President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector.

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