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Alleged Money Laundering: Court adjourns matter as Yahaya Bello heads to Supreme Court

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the alleged money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, until October. 30, 2024.

The adjournment by Justice Emeka Nwite came as ex-Gov. Bello moved to the Supreme Court to file an appeal seeking to set aside the arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.

When the matter came up for hearing, the Defence Counsel, A.M. Adoyi, drew the court’s attention to the fact that the issue of the arraignment of the defendant was the subject matter of an appeal already entered by him at the Supreme Court.

He said he would like to draw the court’s attention to the appeal by virtue of the affidavit of record filed on September 23.

“The appeal number is SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. That means the most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court in the aforesaid appeal before taking any step for arraignment so as not to render the appellant’s appeal null or to pull the rug out of the feet of the Supreme Court,” the Defendant’s lawyer said.

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Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, however, told the court that the Defendant’s Counsel was turning the court into a place for entertainment.

He said, “Secondly, an appeal the defendant filed at the court of appeal disputing the mode of service of the charge and proof of evidence on their counsel was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on the 28th of August this year.

“The Court of Appeal said the mode of service was good and proper service. The appellant shall not take any further steps until he submits himself. But they took another step.”

It will be recalled that the former governor submitted himself to the EFCC last Wednesday, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, but the EFCC reportedly refused to interrogate or detain him.

It was later reported that EFCC operatives allegedly laid siege on the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja to arrest the Governor at night.

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Arguing against the Defendant’s applications, Pinheiro said, “They have three applications on this – two before your lordship and one before the Supreme Court. I will now urge your lordship to demonstrate audacity of coercive power on him.”

Adoyi, Bello’s lawyer, however, argued that the life issue of the matter slated for today (Wednesday), which is the arraignment, “is subject to an appeal by the defendant at the Supreme Court.”

“In the interest of justice, we should await the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue,” he urged the court.

Justice Emeka Nwite said, with the submission made by the counsel, he would have to decide the issues raised in one way or the other.

He said he would have to adjourn to rule on the matter.

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Justice Nwite therefore adjourned the matter to the 30th of October for ruling and arraignment.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.

The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.

Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.

Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.

“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.

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“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.

She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

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Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.

A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.

According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.

He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.

Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”

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The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.

Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.

He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.

The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon

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The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

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The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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