Crime
Yahaya Bello Sends Crucial Message To Tinubu As EFCC Storms His Abuja Residence
The immediate-past governor of Kogi State has raised the alarm over an alleged attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to “disgrace” him “at all cost”.
Operatives of the EFCC, on Wednesday April 17, laid siege at Bello’s Abuja residence, preventing vehicular movement in the area.
In a statement by the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor said the action of the EFCC was contrary to a subsisting court order granted February 9, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello Vs. EFCC.
He noted that the court restrained the EFCC either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting him, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.
Bello noted that judgement was being awaited in the same suit today.
The statement reads: “About 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest.
“This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.
“The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.
“Furthermore, Judgement in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja.
“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!
“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.
“We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.
“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.
“Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.
“We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.
“It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders. This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity,” the statement said.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.
The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.
In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.
He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.
On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.
The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.
Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.
Troops from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have successfully raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Lantom village, Kadarko District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the soldiers stormed the criminal den on January 6, arresting four suspected gang members. During the operation, some suspects reportedly attempted to disarm a soldier while being escorted, prompting the troops to respond decisively and neutralise them.
Items recovered include one locally fabricated rifle, one axe, and one machete. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were responsible for multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Kadarko District and surrounding communities.
All seized items are now in military custody. Follow-up operations are ongoing to track down fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to provide timely information to support security efforts in the region.
Crime
Suicide bomber confesses: I was paid N100,000 to bomb worshippers in Maiduguri
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
•Ibrahim Mohammed
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, has revealed chilling details of his recruitment and operations, including how he was paid to target worshippers in Maiduguri.
The confession came after his arrest by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with local hunters in Yobe State.
Ibrahim admitted involvement in the Dec. 24 suicide bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque, which killed five people and injured 32 others.
He stated that the attacks were orchestrated by Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains.
“I came to Maiduguri with two IEDs to target Izala Mosque, under instructions from our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar,” he told interrogators.
He said the operatives planted the explosives after Zuhur and Asr prayers, timing the detonation for Maghrib prayers when worshippers had gathered.
Ibrahim claimed that he returned to the scene pretending to be a civilian helper, assisting in evacuating casualties.
He revealed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network, with payments ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission
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