News
Yahaya Bello Vs EFCC: Court Adjourns Ruling and Continuation of Trials to June 26 , 27 and July 4 and 5
You cannot cross examine him based on the document,” Daudu SAN argued. Enitan SAN added that he had the right to draw the attention of the court to some specific paragraphs in the document.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of the alleged money laundering case instituted against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to June 26, 27 and July 4 and 5 for ruling on the request by the prosecution to “cross-examine” the 3rd witness and for continuation of trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the hearing after listening to addresses by the prosecution and defence counsels on the Prosecution’s move to initially cross-examine the witness, a position that was rejected by the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN.
When the matter was called for continuation of cross-examination, the Defendant’s counsel asked the witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, whether he had testified in other courts with respect to the issue of school fees paid by the Bello family to AISA, he said yes.
But the witness, an internal auditor at the American International School, Abuja, said he could not mention the exact courts.
He admitted testifying in a similar charge involving Ali Bello but added that he never said anything adversely against former Governor Yahaya Bello just as he had not said anything negative or adversely against him in the instant charge.
After Daudu SAN concluded the cross-examination of the witness, Nicholas Ojehomon, the EFCC’s lawyer, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, moved to also cross-examine the Commission’s witness on Exhibit 19.
He told the court that he was not re-examining the EFCC’s witness, but cross-examining him because the document was admitted in evidence.
“I am not re-examining him, I am cross-examining him because they brought this document,” he said.
The Defendant’s lawyer, however, drew the court’s attention to the fact that the prosecution counsel’s position was unknown to law, in line with the Evidence Act.
“If you want to cross-examine your own witness, you have to first declare him a hostile witness. You cannot cross examine him based on the document,” Daudu SAN argued. Enitan SAN added that he had the right to draw the attention of the court to some specific paragraphs in the document.
At this point, the judge asked: “Do you have any provision of the law to support this?””I will draw your lordship attention to Section 36 of the Constitution.
They sought to tender this document, we objected and the court granted their prayer. Fair hearing demands that the complainant too has the right to examine this because Section 36 of the Constitution talks of fair hearing,”
Enitan responded. “We are not saying that they cannot re-examine the witness. That is what Section 36 under the law says about fair hearing. But if it is to cross-examine him, he will have to show us the law that backs that.
“He cannot come under the guise of fair hearing to want to cross-examine the witness,” the Defendant’s lawyer maintained. The judge, at the end of the arguments, refused to allow cross-examination of the witness by the EFCC lawyer.”
Under the procedure, the witness gives evidence in chief and the defendant cross examines, then the prosecution re-examines.
“With due respect, what I will do is if you people are so skewed to continue with this, it is better to address me on this and I will take a position,” he stated.
At this point, the prosecution counsel agreed to re-examine the EFCC’s witness and the judge gave him the go-ahead.”You can re-examine him on that but not to ask questions that will show cross examination,” Justice Nwite said.
However, when the prosecution lawyer proceeded to re-examine the witness, and his questions pointed at cross-examination, as observed by Daudu SAN, the judge insisted that the parties had to address him on the specific issue.
The Defendant’s Counsel, in his address, maintained that the position was unknown to law.
“My lord, the procedure that is being sought by the prosecution by refering the witness to the document tender in Exhibit 19 and by asking him to read paragraph 1, without drawing his attention to the issue on how the document affected his evidence in chief, the question asked in cross-examination, and the ambiguity, which needs clarification, amounts to a strange and unknown procedure not covered by the Evidence Act,” he stated.
Enitan SAN, disagreed, saying that in the case of Amobi Amobi referred to by the defendant’s counsel, the Supreme Court held that the learned trial judge ought to have allowed a re-examination of Exhibit E.
He said when the defendant sought to introduce the document, the prosecution team “submitted that this document was not made by the witness and as such, he should not be allowed to speak to it under cross examination or allowed to be confronted with it.”
“Having brought it in now, during the case of the prosecution, particularly during the cross examination of PW-3, your lordship should not allow them to shut us out as that would amount to the court allowing them to blow hot and cold,” Pinheiro SAN said.
Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned to June 26, 27 and July 4 and 5 for ruling and continuation of trial.
The 3rd prosecution witness had, at the last hearing on Thursday, said there was no wired transfer of fees from the Kogi State Government or any of the local Governments in the state to the account of the American International School, Abuja.
He also read out a part of a previous Federal Capital Territory High Court judgment that said there was no court order for AISA to return fees to EFCC or any judgment declaring the money as proceeds of money laundering.
News
Niger Speaker Lauds Army, DSS, and Security Agencies for Successfully Dislodging Bandits in the State
Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, has commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for what he described as remarkable successes recorded against bandits in Mariga LGA and parts of the Niger North senatorial district of the state.
The Speaker described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the state, noting that the bravery, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by the security personnel resulted in the death of several bandits, while others were successfully arrested by the security agencies.
The Speaker’s commendation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assembly’s acting head, Directorate of Media and Public Relations, Mairo Adamu Mani.
The Speaker “stated that this decisive action has greatly weakened the activities of criminal elements in the affected areas and restored confidence among residents who had lived in fear for a long time,” noted the statement.
“Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji further praised the tireless efforts of the security agencies, especially special forces and DSS operatives, for their continuous sacrifices in protecting lives and property across Niger State and Nigeria at large.
The statement quoted the Speaker as commending the joint clearance operations by the Army and the DSS, which he said was based on intelligence, and resulted in the rescue of over 70 kidnapped persons in the state.
“He acknowledged the risks involved in such operations and expressed deep appreciation to the officers and men who put their lives on the line to ensure peace, stability, and the safety of citizens, especially in vulnerable communities.
“The Speaker assured the security agencies of the unwavering support and cooperation of the Niger State Government, emphasizing that the state will continue to provide all necessary assistance to strengthen security operations,” further stated the Assembly spokesman.
Niger state government, remarked the statement, “remains fully committed to working closely with all security stakeholders to ensure that the lingering challenges of insecurity are completely addressed and brought to an end.
“The Speaker “also appealed to all Nigerlites to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, assuring them that the government considers the security of lives and property as its topmost priority.
“The Speaker encouraged residents to continue to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that will aid ongoing and future operations aimed at sustaining peace and stability across the state,” the statement declared.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the posthumous conferment of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as a landmark recognition of African musical excellence and cultural influence.
In a personally signed statement issued today, the President described the honour bestowed by the Recording Academy during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31 as a historic first for an African artist.
“The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti,” President Tinubu declared. “Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped the global sound.
“The award, presented alongside other legends including Whitney Houston, Cher, Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, and Paul Simon, marks the first time an African musician has received this prestigious Lifetime Achievement honour.
Fela’s family, including children Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti, accepted the award on his behalf.President Tinubu emphasized Fela’s enduring legacy, noting that his courage, creativity, and conviction not only defined a generation but continue to inspire artists, activists, and audiences worldwide.
Invoking Yoruba cultural reverence, he added: “In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal.
“The President highlighted Fela’s creation of Afrobeat a powerful fusion of African rhythms, jazz, funk, and highlife infused with sharp social and political commentary and its profound impact on contemporary music.
“He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians, in the global rise of Afrobeats, and far beyond,” Tinubu stated.
He described the Grammy recognition as “an affirmation of his enduring global influence and the foundational role he has played in the evolution and impact of Africa on modern music.”
This latest honour builds on prior accolades, including the 2025 induction of Fela’s seminal 1976 album Zombie into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Nearly three decades after his death in 1997, Fela’s music and activism remain a symbol of resistance and cultural pride. President Tinubu’s tribute underscores national pride in the icon’s global validation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after concluding a successful state visit to Türkiye, where he held high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and signed multiple bilateral agreements.
The President arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, January 31, 2026, around 8:30–8:55 p.m. local time, following his departure from Türkiye.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026, for the state visit to Ankara, Türkiye’s capital.
The trip focused on strengthening Nigeria-Türkiye relations in areas including trade, defense, security, energy, education, media, and technical cooperation.
Key highlights included the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), aimed at boosting economic ties, defense collaboration (including potential training for Nigerian Special Forces), and a targeted increase in bilateral trade volume. Both leaders described the engagements as ushering in a “new era” of strategic partnership.
The visit drew public attention, including an incident during the official welcome ceremony in Ankara where President Tinubu briefly stumbled but continued without issue, with aides confirming he was in good health.
Upon his return, focus now shifts to implementing the signed agreements, including the activation of joint committees on trade and other sectors.
The Presidency has emphasized the visit’s role in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests on the global stage.
Watch video below:
Arsenal wins $2.3m prize in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
BREAKING: First Abu Dhabi Bank to establish branch in Nigeria
Niger Speaker Lauds Army, DSS, and Security Agencies for Successfully Dislodging Bandits in the State
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoNigeria’s economy may be back from the brink — The Economist
-
News2 days agoWike begs court to jail striking FCTA Workers
-
Politics2 days agoINEC Recognises Nenadi Usman-Led Caretaker Committee as Authentic Leadership of Labour Party
-
International2 days agoSouth Africa kicks out Israel’s ambassador Ariel Seidman
-
Politics2 days agoAPC extends electronic membership registration to February 8
-
News3 days agoSharia: Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences
-
News2 days agoFour beheaded in Ebonyi communal clashes
-
News3 days agoEdo Gov Okpebholo Reshuffles Cabinet