More trouble for Natasha as some constituents vow to pursue recall

Some determined constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District on Thursday vowed never to back down on the recall process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly. Rather, they insisted that they would fine-tune the process. The constituents, in a statement issued on Thursday by Salihu Habib, said there was no going back on their resolve to bring the Kogi senator back home. They, however, thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition earlier submitted to it for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall. The renewed determination by the concerned constituents was sequel to INEC’s declaration of some defects in the recall petition they had hitherto presented to it. INEC had, in a statement on its X handle on Thursday said the petition failed to meet the minimum requirement prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, said that they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation. They, however, noted that the validation of 43.86 per cent by INEC was a confirmation that Kogi Central constituents had rejected the senator. “Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures from the administrative signatures collected. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition. “We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” they said. They expressed gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong. “We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they said. The petitioners insisted that the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable. “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central senatorial district. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant. “The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze. “We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” they stated.

Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Released on N500 Million Bail

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been granted bail by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.  The court set the bail amount at N500 million and required three sureties, each responsible for the same sum.  The sureties must be reputable Nigerians with property in areas such as Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.  Additionally, Bello is to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without prior approval. Bello, who served as Kogi State’s governor from 2016 to 2024, faces charges related to an alleged N110 billion fraud.  READ ALSO: PDP BoT Plans January Talks With Wike to Address Party Crisis The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused him and two former state officials, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.  The alleged illicit acquisitions include several properties in Abuja and Dubai, as well as substantial sums transferred to foreign bank accounts. This bail follows a previous N500 million bail granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 13, 2024, concerning a separate 19-count charge involving an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.  Both cases are set for trial in early 2025.

Court Refuses Bail for Yahaya Bello in N110 Billion Case

…The EFCC counters his bail application, based on the argument that it was ill-timed and violated legal standards. The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has declined the bail request of Yahaya Bello, a former Kogi State governor, citing procedural lapses in the application process.  Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was submitted prematurely, as it was filed before Bello’s arraignment or his formal custody. Bello, charged alongside two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a case involving alleged laundering of N110 billion, appeared in court after his November 26 arrest.  The bail request, submitted on November 22, predates his November 27 arraignment, rendering it invalid under procedural guidelines. ALSO READ: Do not Insult the Sensibilities of Nigerians Rather, Be Thankful that Buhari, Tinubu Did Not Ptobe You – Osita Okechukwu Blasts PDP While Bello’s legal team argued for his release, claiming he posed no risk of absconding, the EFCC countered that the timing of the application violated legal standards. The court upheld the EFCC’s position, rejecting Bello’s bail. In contrast, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail on stringent conditions, including a bond of N300 million and property guarantees in Abuja. Until these terms are met, Oricha will remain in custody.

Game up: Yahaya Bello is abandoned by Beauty Queens and Movie Stars – Shehu Sani

Power is transient, so Senator Shehu Sani, a social critic and human rights activist, seems to say as he mocks former associates of Yahaya Bello who have abandoned him in his time of need. In his heydays as governor, it was common on social media to see celebrities displaying pictures they took with the Kogi State governor. Now that Yahaya Bello is having his day in court and grappling with the anticorruption agencies and the police, coupled with the arm-twisting, mugshots and all, the Senator is asking: where are the celebrities, the sportsmen and women who flock to the governor regularly at Lugard House, Lokoja? Taking to his verified X (Twitter) account, Senator Sani said, “All those Sportsmen, Beauty Queens and Movie Stars who used to visit Lokoja have now abandoned the White Lion.” Senator Sani labelled them “Fairweather” friends who will be with you when the going is good because of what they are benefitting. The former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello is standing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on multiple charges of money laundering, fraud and mismanagement of public funds totalling over N200 billion. READ ALSO: Bauchi Lawmaker Suspended over Alleged Misconduct

EFCC To Arraign Yahaya Bello Again Today

The troubles may just be starting for former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is about to face another round of legal troubles as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is arraigning him on allegations of mismanaging N80.2 billion in public funds.  The proceedings will take place today at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.   The case follows months of evasion by Bello, who was previously ordered to be arrested after missing court appearances.  Earlier in April, Justice Nwite had issued an arrest warrant, but efforts to detain Bello were allegedly obstructed by Kogi’s current governor, Ahmed Ododo.  Reports revealed that Ododo used his official vehicle to shield Bello from EFCC operatives.   After months of avoiding legal proceedings, Bello voluntarily turned himself in to the EFCC last Tuesday.  This led to his appearance before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was subsequently remanded in EFCC custody.   Initially scheduled for January 21, 2025, the case was fast-tracked by the anti-corruption agency, ensuring that Bello and his co-accused, including his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, appear in court today.  The charges they face span money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and breach of trust.  

More Drama as Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Trial Resumes

The trial of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State finally got off to a dramatic start today as the trial Justice Maryann Anenih bolted out of the courtroom at some point due to the surging crowd that accompanied the ex-governor. How it occurred that agents of the law could not maintain order in the Federal High Court remains inexplicable but it took the intervention of the Mr. Bello himself to bring calm to the courtroom as he prevailed on his crowd of supporters to vacate the courtroom. READ ALSO: Tinubu, Wife Depart for Three-Day France Visit Today At the resumption of proceedings, the former Kogi State Governor, denied the charges of financial fraud leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  Appearing before Justice Maryann Anenih at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Bello and his two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were confronted with a series of serious allegations of embezzlement involving ₦110 billion. The court heard that Bello and his associates were accused of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and the possession of stolen property.  The charges are linked to accusations of embezzling state funds, which were allegedly used to acquire a series of high-value properties across Nigeria and beyond. PLEASE READ: CBN Rate Hike, Trump’s Tariffs Unchanged Naira’s Fortune in the Black Market Bello, who had been elusive in the weeks leading up to the trial, surrendered to the EFCC just a day before the court appearance, amid reports of his avoidance of authorities. Dressed in a traditional white caftan and blue cap, he entered the dock to formally respond to the charges in the case, which the EFCC has termed CR/7781. The list of properties tied to the accused includes real estate in Abuja, such as a building in Maitama valued at ₦950 million, a property in Gwarimpa worth ₦100 million, and another mansion in Asokoro priced at ₦920 million. Other properties are located in areas like Wuse Zone 4 and Dubai, including a hotel apartment valued at over 5 million dirhams. Additionally, the EFCC claims that Bello and his co-defendants were involved in transferring substantial amounts of money abroad, including $570,330 and $556,265 to a US-based bank. The investigation also uncovered that they were in possession of ₦677.8 million linked to an illicit business, Bespoque Business Solution Limited. Bello’s trial has sparked considerable attention, and the outcome of the proceedings could have serious ramifications for the former governor, who served as Kogi’s leader for two terms.  The case continues to unfold, with the EFCC determined to recover the allegedly misappropriated funds. READ ALSO: PH Refinery, Tinubu Celebrates Restart, Urges Action on Others

EFCC failure to detain Yahaya Bello shameful, smacks of compromise

Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Olukoyede As EFCC Chairman To 2024

Save Nigeria Coalition, an anti-corruption group, has described the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to detain Yahaya Bello after he turned himself in as a  shameful act that smacks of compromise.   The group also berates the manner in which the EFCC has  so far handled the prosecution of the former Kogi State governor.   The group alleged that the EFCC’s actions are a “shameful outing” and a “media trial” that suggests a predetermined outcome.   Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dr. Felicia Eneh Daniel, its Country Director, said the EFCC’s failure to detain Bello after he voluntarily presented himself for questioning raises questions about the agency’s intentions.   The Save Nigeria Coalition also slammed the EFCC for allegedly writing “barefaced lies” and making “irreconcilable blunders” in its attempt to prosecute Bello.   Furthermore, the group questions the EFCC’s selective prosecution, citing cases against Senator Danjuma Goje, former governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Samuel Ortom as well as Senator Godswill Akpabio that have not been pursued.   Daniel said: “There is nowhere in the civilized world where a law enforcement agency will allow a wanted man who voluntarily presented himself to its operational headquarters and spent Four gruelling hours with operatives of the agency to go without immediately detaining the person and asking critical questions that will enable swift and thorough prosecution of such suspects.   “The actions of the EFCC last week when Yahaya Bello, whom the agency had previously declared wanted and invited even the Interpol to assist in bringing to justice, voluntarily presented himself for questioning and prosecution, in line with the extant laws, suggests that what the agency wants is beyond legal prosecution of Yahaya Bello and that there is a hidden agenda that the EFCC and its handlers are yet to lead Nigerians into.   “It is appalling that the anti graft agency will now resort to writing barefaced lies and making up irreconcilable blunders in its desperate attempt to nail Yahaya Bello on the media and destroy a man who has not been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction despite having legal representation, as allowed by the law, in all the hearings.   “It is also intriguing that the EFCC will attempt to play on the sensibilities of Nigerians that the agency has no sacred cows and will spare no one in it’s efforts to rid the country and its institutions of financial improprieties.”   Daniel demands answers to several critical questions, including why the N5 billion case against Senator Danjuma Goje was withdrawn, why the EFCC hasn’t prosecuted former governor Samuel Ortom despite corruption allegations, and why the EFCC hasn’t investigated and prosecuted Ganduje.   “Why did the anti graft agency accede to the withdrawal of the N5billion case against former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje?   We were all in this country when FG suddenly withdrew its case against Senator Danjuma Goje from the court.   “Why has the EFCC not prosecuted former governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state despite the monumental corruption allegations against him and the willingness of the present Benue state government to assist the anti-graft agency to unearth the endemic corruption that took place in the state during the Ortom government?   “Why has the EFCC refused to investigate and prosecute Former Governor of Kano state and now national Chairman of the ruling party , Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, despite his indictment by the anti graft agency in Kano state and monumental corruption cases filed against him by the Kano state government?   What happened to the viral Gandollar video? Or has the agency started keeping sacred cows?   “Why has the EFCC not prosecuted the current senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio despite the allegations of billions of naira and his refusal to appear before the agency when he was invited for questioning? Do we now have two laws in Nigeria; one for the Akpabios and the other for the Yahaya Bellos?   “We can go on and on as a group that has dedicated years of its existence into tracking corruption cases under the radar of the EFCC.”   The Save Nigeria Coalition, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the EFCC follows due process, warning that selective prosecution will undermine the country’s democratic credentials.   They urged Nigerians to stand up for the rule of law and demand accountability from the EFCC.   Daniel added: “We call on Mr. President to intervene and call the EFCC to order as this unacceptable act of singling out a perceived political enemy for persecution, if allowed, will become a big dent to his tall democratic credentials.   “While we do not hold briefs for anybody, our group takes seriously, cases of corruption and believes in imbibing international best practices in making leaders accountable for their actions. The current kill-him-at-all-cost strategy by the EFCC in this current case involving Yahaya Bello is crude and unknown to our laws.   “Lastly, the fact that some illiterate cashivists like the so called Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Center), and other fake groups are being hurriedly assembled to buy into this agenda of blackmailing and browbeating Yahaya Bello to submission, further confirms the fears of many Nigerians that this so-called corruption prosecution of Yahaya Adoza Bello is a grand conspiracy by powerful political enemies to silence the former governor and ease him out of circulation. “  

EFCC Accuses Yahaya Bello, others of acquiring property in Abuja, Dubai 

Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Olukoyede As EFCC Chairman To 2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello and two others at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.   In the suit marked: CR/7781/2024, Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are accused of spending over N110 billion of public funds to acquire several properties in Abuja and in Dubai.   The suit dated September 24 but filed on September 25, by the anti-graft lawyer, Mr kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accused the defendants of criminal breach of trust, an offence punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963.   Count one of the charge reads: that you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu sometimes in 2016 in Abuja, within the Jurisdiction of this Honourble Court agreed amongst yourselves to cause to be done an illegal act to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of the total sum of N110, 446, 470, 089.00 (One Hundred and Ten Billion, Four Hundred and Forty six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira) entrusted to you”.   In count two they were alleged to have sometime in 2023, in Abuja, whilst having dominion over the state’s treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N950,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja.   In count 11, the defendants were alleged to have used over Five million Dirhams to acquire a property in Khalifa, Municipality, Dubai.   Count 14 reads: That you Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu sometime in 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, whilst having dominion over the state’s treasury, dishonestly sent the total sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty United State Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 Domiciled with TD Bank, United State of America.   Count 15 claimed that the defendants sometime in 2021, in Abuja, whilst having dominion over the state’s treasury, dishonestly sent the total sum of $556,265.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Five United State Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 Domiciled with TD Bank, United State of America.   Meanwhile, the former governor in count 16 was alleged to have sometime between 2017 and 2018, in Abuja, had under his control the total sum of N677, 848,000 (Six Hundred and Seventy Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand Naira) unlawfully obtained from BESPOQUE BUSINESS SOLUTION LIMITED.   In the last five months, the Commission have attempted to arraign the former governor before a Federal High Court, Abuja, on an alleged money laundering charge to the tune of over N80 billion, but has not been successful.   The anti-graft agency reacting to Bello’s absence in court on Wednesday, pointed out that the former governor “should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.   The Commission however stated that it is not deterred by this, and other shenanigans by the ex-governor.   ” The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Yahaya Bello in Court.   “EFCC is eager to engage the former governor in the courtroom where the avalanche of evidence so painstakingly assembled can be presented and arguments marshalled for justice to be served to all parties involved in this saga.   ” The true test of Yahaya Bello’s willingness to abide by the law in the criminal proceedings instituted against him at the Federal High Court Abuja by the EFCC, is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite. His presence in court is the only step that will convince Nigerians that his touted submission to the EFCC which was widely reported in the media on September 18, was not a stunt”, Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale had said in the statement.