CODIFIER

Former Governor of Kogi State,  Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over alleged defamatory statements made against him by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.  In the petition, written and signed by his solicitor, Mr. N.A. ABUBAKAR Esq, to the IGP on Wednesday, Bello called on the Nigeria Police Force under his (IGP's) leadership to invite Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her allegation against him with credible evidence. "Where she fails to do so, cause her to be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law for criminal defamation, inciting public disturbance and spreading false information injurious to public peace," the lawyer wrote. He said that the utterances made against the former governor were not only false, reckless and inciting, but "they constitute serious criminal defamation, false accusatio...

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has criticized the actions of suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that her recent engagements have put Nigeria’s image at risk before the international community.  The organization expressed concern that instead of addressing the issues surrounding her suspension through the appropriate democratic channels, she has chosen to wage a campaign against the Senate. In a statement released on Thursday, CD asserted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct both within and outside Nigeria has negatively impacted the nation’s reputation.  The group described her actions as misconduct and insisted that she must publicly apologize. It further urged political leaders to separate partisan interests from matters that affect the country’s stability and image. The organization particularly condemned her claims that linked her suspension to allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. CD criticized her participati...

A large number of Kogi Central constituents have expressed strong support for the ongoing recall process of their suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that no amount of misinformation or propaganda will halt their efforts. According to the constituents, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s tenure in the Senate was a mistake that they are determined to rectify. Represented by over 10,000 individuals from the five local government areas of Kogi Central, the Kogi Central Grassroots Movement issued a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Coordinator, AbdulHameed Jimoh, and Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi. They accused the senator’s camp of spreading misleading information and fabricating videos to counter the recall effort but maintained that her time in the Senate was effectively over. Urging Nigerians to disregard social media narratives, the group claimed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has lost significant political influence, even among her former allies. “She falsely acc...

Residents of Kogi Central have dismissed the recent court injunction obtained by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which restrains the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving a petition for her recall. According to them, the move is a clear indication that she has acknowledged her imminent removal. Speaking on behalf of the constituents from the five local government areas of the senatorial district, the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly (KCRA) criticized the senator’s approach. They argued that individuals with questionable motives often make irreversible mistakes, citing what they described as errors in the legal action she pursued. In a statement issued on Friday, KCRA stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that the recall signatures were fictitious was an act of desperation. They maintained that verifying the authenticity of the signatures was INEC’s responsibility, and her attempt to stop the process only exposed her fear of the outcome. "I...

. 'We want to bring her back to learn purposeful representation' Ebira indigenes have condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was not endorsed by the majority of the electorate in the area. The indigenes, from across the five local governments of Kogi Central, said they had resolved to bring the embattled Senator back home, adding that the embarassment she had caused the senatorial district had, unfortunately, taken an "international dimension." This stand was taken in a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim and Prince Akerejola Johnson of Ogori/Magongo LGA, respectively.  The constituents told Nigerians to disregard the deliberate mischief by the camp of the Kogi Central Senator suggesting that people were deceived to come o...

The Protestant University of Rwanda has invited Kelechi Mbagwu, Managing Director of CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Limited, to serve as the keynote speaker at its 12th convocation ceremony in Kigali. Mbagwu will deliver an address on “Developing and Furthering Collaboration in Africa: The Role of Private Universities.” In an official letter dated February 13, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olu Ojedokun, extended the invitation on behalf of the university’s council and management. The institution commended Mbagwu for his impact on Africa’s construction industry, describing him as a leading figure in innovation. “Here in Rwanda, we acknowledge your contributions to advancing the construction sector. We also wish to celebrate your support for sports, particularly rugby,” the letter stated. The university expressed confidence that his visit to its Huye Campus would create opportunities for collaboration between Mbagwu, the Protestant University of Rwanda, and ot...

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, received the parents of his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, at his residence in Okene.  The visit of the Governor's parents, Alhaji Ahmed Sani and Hajia Habibat Ahmed Sani, further demonstrated the enduring bond between the two families and their continued commitment to the progress of Kogi State. In his remarks while hosting the couple, former governor Bello expressed his gratitude for their steadfast prayers and unwavering support.  He commended their immense contribution to the upbringing and moral foundation of their children, which he noted had shaped Governor Ododo into a disciplined and compassionate leader. Bello extolled Mr. and Mrs.  Ahmed Sani for their exemplary parenting, emphasizing that their teachings and values were evident in the character and leadership of their son.  He noted that identifying Ododo as his successor was not by chance but a deliberate decision, adding that ...

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million. Justice Maryann Anenih delivered the ruling on Thursday, requiring Bello to provide three sureties in the same amount. The bail decision comes after Justice Anenih initially rejected Bello’s application on December 10, deeming it premature since it was filed before the defendant appeared in court or was taken into custody. Following that, his legal team submitted a fresh application for bail. Bello is facing a trial on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving N110 billion, alongside two other defendants. He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During Thursday’s hearing, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defense had filed a further affidavit in response to the prosecution’s objections. However, Daudu requested to withdraw t...

Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin has been accused of allegedly advocating for military take over in Nigeria. He was alleged to have made this calls in most of the recent political meetings he had with stakeholders in Ondo State. Political stakeholders in the Sunshine State have therefore expressed deep concern on why a major politician and Chairman of the ruling party in Ondo State would repeatedly advocated for military take over in Nigeria. The stakeholders wondered whether Adetimehin was tired of the present constitutional democracy in the country. A source who pleaded anonymity said the call for military takeover came as rude shock the first time that Adetimehin mentioned it. The source however added that it was lately becoming a regular rhetorical statement by the Ondo APC Chairman to demand for military takeover in most of his private political meetings. “The call for military takeover by our chairman came to us as rud...

Ex-Gov to remain in custody The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, adjourned sitting on the alleged N80bn fraud charge against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to December 13, 2024  for the Motion for abridgment and possible arraignment.  Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the sitting in the interest of fair hearing, noting that the matter had been originally adjourned to January 21, 2025. When the matter was called on Friday, the former Governor was asked why his lawyers were not in court. He said he was only informed of the sitting late Thursday night and so could not contact his lawyers to be at the court. The EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, insisted that the Defendant's plea be taken. "What the law requires is the presence of the Defendant, not the presence of his lawyers," he argued. But the judge declined. While delivering a short ruling, Justice Nwite said, "The matter came up on the 30th of October 2024. It was adjourned to...

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has fixed December 10, 2024 for rulings on the bail applications by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others.  The Judge fixed the date after taking arguments for and against the bail request by Bello's lawyer, Joseph Bodunde Dauda, SAN and the Prosecution's Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN. Ex-Gov Bello and two others had, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  Bello, who is the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih as they were reeled out by the Court Registrar.  After taking their plea, the Defendant's Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, moved an application for bail. But the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, saying it had expired in October. Making clarifications, the Defendant's Counsel clarified this, saying that the only rel...

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  Ex-Gov Bello, who is the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih as they were reeled out by the Court Registrar.  After taking their plea, the Defendant's Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, moved an application for bail. But the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, saying it had expired in October. Making clarifications, the Defendant's Counsel clarified this, saying that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22. Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.  "Exhibit A, which is the public summons is very vital and the appearance of the defendan...

There are strong indications that former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission again over alleged misappropriation of funds. Our reporter reliably gathered from sources close to the EFCC that he went to the office with his lawyers on Tuesday morning and not with the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.  This follows the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed states' case on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.  It was also reliably gathered that the former Governor drove himself in a black hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.  There were insinuations last week that he was going to visit the EFCC but the former governor's media aides did not respond to enquiries on the information.  At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment to tomorrow (November 27) in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying the 30 days window was st...

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.) of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), and esteemed professor of Counselling Psychology, Adebisi Clement Daramola, is set to deliver the University’s 30th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The lecture, titled “Crossing the Crossroads of Life: The Counselling Pathways,” is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the University Multipurpose Hall. Attendees are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event. Prof. Daramola’s distinguished academic career began at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, where he earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Physics and Chemistry in 1977. He further pursued a Bachelor’s (B.Ed.) and Master’s (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ibadan in 1981 and 1984, respectively. He completed his Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology in 1993 from the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. His teaching career commenced ...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Thursday, sought for adjournment in the fresh case it instituted against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, saying the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued. The EFCC, however, admitted his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail and prayed the court for extension of time for the 1st Defendant to appear.  At the resumed hearing before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Counsel for EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on 3rd October had not elapsed. "In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running. So we have discussed and agreed to come back on the 27th day of November, 2024, my lord," he told the court. He also noted that the 20th of November date earlier given was not convenient for the Prosecution counsel. Counsel to the 2nd d...

.Urge EFCC to halt politically motivated witch-hunt  Youth Leaders of the All Progressives Congress have accused unnamed stalwarts of the party of being behind the persecution of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged politically motivated reasons.  The youth leaders from across the 36 states of the country and the FCT, under the aegis of APC Youth Leaders Forum (AYLF), wondered why those who had contributed immensely towards the development of the party as well as helped in securing the presidency which President Bola Tinubu enjoys today, have been singled out for persecution and undue harassment.  In a statement on Monday jointly signed by the Forum's National President, Alh Abdullahi Danbaba and the National Secretary, Dr Chike Ihedioha, AYLF insisted that some individuals were bent on destroying the party over permutations ahead of the 2027 elections and their desire for political of...

. Says 'it's witch-hunt taken too far' . 'Nigeria, as a Federation, has guiding principles' A former Nigerian Ambassador to Botwana, Isaac Onuh, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over its handling of the alleged money laundering case against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. In a news conference on Friday in Lokoja, Onuh described Bello’s trial as an “unfortunate witch-hunt”. Onuh, an All Progressives Congress stalwart, urged the EFCC to immediately halt the alleged “macabre dance” being employed against the former governor under the pretense of fighting corruption. He said that the EFCC had yet to provide ample evidence to substantiate its allegations of financial impropriety against the former governor. "His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, deserves a measure of respect and decorum from government agencies, including the EFCC, having served the state diligently and meritoriously for eight years," the fo...

Jesutega Onokpasa, a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ardent supporter of President Bola Tinubu, has taken issue with recent comments by Bayo Onanuga, one of the President’s spokespersons. Onokpasa accused Onanuga of creating a misleading impression regarding President Tinubu’s alleged involvement in the EFCC’s legal proceedings against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. In a statement released on Thursday, Onokpasa, who also chairs the Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), criticized Onanuga for seeming overly focused on the legal challenges facing Bello, rather than allowing the judiciary to address the matter. He argued that Onanuga’s statements could lead the public to believe that President Tinubu was behind the EFCC’s actions against Bello. “Contrary to Onanuga’s implications, Yahaya Bello is not hiding under anyone’s ‘agbada,’ but is instead standing firm in court, seeking to protect his legal rights,” Onokpasa clarified. Onokpasa’s reacti...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in the money laundering case brought against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to January 21, 2025. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told Justuce Emeka Nwite that he had two witnesses already in court. He said his first application was to formally apply that the court should enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant, even in his absence. "My first application is to formally enter a plea of not guilty to the defendant, even in his absence. The second point is, not withstanding his physical absence, it is in full compliance with Section 276 of ACJA. "Flowing from that entry my lord, it is a humble request that we call the first witness," he stated. Pinheiro, SAN, in defending his application to enter a plea of not guilty for the defendant, said ...

A historic lawsuit filed by 19 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has gained the support of no less than 5,000 lawyers. The Judiciary Watchdogs, a group of lawyers from the 36 states of the federation, commended the governors for their courageous stand. According to the lawyers, who have been vocal against corruption in Nigeria, the EFCC's enabling act was enacted without input from state assemblies, violating the principles of federalism and state autonomy. In a statement signed by Co-National Convener, Barr Real S. Dennis, the lawyers said the governors were on track for demanding constitutional compliance, state sovereignty, and accountability from the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies. For the lawyers, getting the foundation right would help the war against corruption as the agencies now, particularly the EFCC, have only allegedly been fighting proxy wars for successive Presidents.  Dennis argued...