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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

APC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said the adjustment affects only the House of Representatives primary, while the dates for other primaries remain unchanged.

According to the new timetable released by the APC:

  • House of Representatives Primary: Saturday, 16th May, 2026
  • Senate Primary: Monday, 18th May, 2026
  • State House of Assembly Primary: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
  • Governorship Primary: Thursday, 21st May, 2026
  • Presidential Primary: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026

The party assured stakeholders that the shift was necessary and that all other arrangements for the primaries would proceed as planned.

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Makinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)…

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Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the Oyo State governor and his loyalists.

Reports indicate that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.

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APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Primaries

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The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged all aspirants contesting on the platform of the party to maintain discipline, maturity, and sportsmanship ahead of the 2027 party primaries.

In a statement, Yilwatda said that the APC remains committed to conducting transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.

Yilwatda warned that the party leadership would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the primaries, including violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.

He stressed that any aspirant or supporter found culpable would face severe sanctions, including suspension from the party, adding that no personal ambition should override the collective interest of the APC and national stability.

The APC chairman reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, urging all contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.

According to him, democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of results, while aspirants must see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct should reflect the values and vision of the APC.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting unity within the party, and called on party members and stakeholders to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid divisive actions capable of overheating the political environment or undermining progress already recorded by the administration.

Highlighting achievements of the Tinubu administration, the APC chairman pointed to ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the solid minerals sector.

He noted that the administration’s reforms are aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth, job creation, food security, and the attainment of a one trillion dollar economy through strategic investments and industrial expansion.

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