Politics

Breaking News: N80.2bn Fraud Court rejects Yahaya Bello’s request to stop trial

Published

1 year ago

May 10, 2024

Here are the details of the N80.2 billion fraud case against Yahaya Bello

Yahaya Bello: The former governor of Kogi State is facing charges of N80.2 billion money laundering at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

-Court Ruling: The court has fixed May 10, 2024, to rule on Bello’s application seeking vacation of the arrest warrant issued against him.

EFCC’s Position: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has promised to set aside the arrest warrant if Bello appears in court.

Bello’s Concerns: Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, has expressed concerns about the arrest warrant, citing fears of arrest and prejudice to a fair trial.

EFCC’s Allegations: The EFCC alleges that Bello laundered N80.2 billion while serving as governor of Kogi State between 2016 and 2020.

Bello’s Denial: Bello has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.

EFCC Withdraws Appeal: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of withdrawal to discontinue an appeal against an order of a Kogi high court restraining the agency from arresting Yahaya Bello, former governor of the state.

Kogi Assembly Defends Yahaya Bello*: The State House of Assembly has called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to obey the rule of law and work within the ambit of law.

EFCC Approaches Appeal Court: The EFCC is accusing Bello of embezzling N80.2 billion during his tenure in office and has approached the Appeal Court to set aside the restraining order.

Yahaya Bello’s Denial: Bello has denied the allegations of fraud and money laundering, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.

EFCC’s Accusation: The EFCC’s case hinges on a meticulously compiled dossier outlining various financial irregularities allegedly perpetrated during Bello’s time as governor.

The N80.2 billion sum reportedly stems from a combination of sources, including inflated contracts awarded to fictitious companies, diversion of state funds for personal gain, and misappropriation of budgetary allocations.

Then the recently ekwutosblog learnt that The court has rejected Yahaya Bello’s request to stop his trial over the alleged N80.2 billion fraud. This means that the trial will proceed as scheduled, and Bello will have to face the charges against him.

The court’s decision is a significant development in the case, as it indicates that the judicial process will continue despite Bello’s efforts to halt it. The prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will likely present its evidence and witnesses to build a case against Bello, who will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.

It’s important to note that the rejection of Bello’s request to stop the trial doesn’t imply guilt or innocence; it simply means that the court has found sufficient grounds to proceed with the trial. The outcome of the case will ultimately depend on the evidence presented and the court’s verdict based on that evidence.

Politics

ADC Strengthens Party Structure with Release of State Chairmen Names

Published

3 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a significant step in bolstering its organizational structure nationwide by releasing the names of its state chairmen for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move aims to enhance coordination and leadership at the state level as the party prepares for future elections.

Full List of ADC State Chairmen:

South-South
Akwa Ibom State: Duke Gabriel Dick
Delta State: Austine Okotie
Rivers State: Ode Lawrence E

South-East

Abia State: Iyke Nwoka
Anambra State: Patrick Obianyo
Ebonyi State: Jennifer Adibie N
Enugu State: Stella Chukwula
Imo State: Prof James Okoroma

North-Central
Benue State: Celestine Orbunda
Kogi State: John Adeli Udale
Kwara State: Adebayo Akadi
Nasarawa State: Musa S. Shuaib
Niger State: Auta Mohammed
Plateau State: Hanatu Garaba

North-East
Adamawa State: Yohanna Shehu K
Bauchi State: Hon. Haruna Hassan
Borno State: Mohammed Bolori
Gombe State: Mallam Danladi Yau
Taraba State: Adamu Hassan
Yobe State: Alh. Kalli Umar

North-West
Jigawa State: Alh. Sanni Mohammed
Kaduna State: Ahmed Tijani M
Kano State: Ungogo Musa
Katsina State: Alh. Usman Musa
Kebbi State: Hajia Hawa Mohammed
Sokoto State: Hon. Umar Farouk
Zamfara State: Alh. Kabiru Garba

South-West
Ekiti State: Adekolu O. Moses
Lagos State: George Ashiru
Ogun State: Otunba Pat. Olufemi
Ondo State: Chief Mrs. Ganiyu Sidirika
Osun State: Charles Idowu
Oyo State: Alh. Yinka Adona
FCT: Yusuf Tijani

Politics

Akpabio removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Senate committee chair

Published

20 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations

Akpabio, during plenary on Thursday, announced Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the committee.

As a result, Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose leadership of the committee had been uncertain due to her suspension.

Recall that in a minor reshuffle earlier in February, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.

But the Senate maintains it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgement.

Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: SDP slams Oyebanji’s performance, APC fires back

Published

22 hours ago

July 11, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.