EVENTS

EFCC Seeks Yahaya Bello’s trial in Absentia

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

EFCC Seeks Yahaya Bello’s trial in Absentia

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday October 30, 2024 asked Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, to proceed with the trial of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in absentia, arguing that his non-appearance in court for arraignment should not be allowed to frustrate his trial.

The EFCC through its lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, also urged the court to enter a plea of “not guilty” on behalf of Bello.

Bello is facing trial on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion. The court had summoned him for arraignment six consecutive times.

Pinheiro told the court that the former governor’s refusal to appear for his arraignment was malicious and that the court should not demonstrate helplessness by not trying him in absentia. “A court can never demonstrate helplessness. That would be an indication of anarchy and society is based on the rule of law. The court demonstrating helplessness will negate the basis of the rule of law,” he said.

Arguing further, the EFCC’s counsel reminded the court that a defendant’s refusal to engage the court’s processes should not frustrate his trial, maintaining that justice is a three-way mechanism. “A criminal trial must not be held hostage, truncated or frustrated by a defendant’s refusal to engage the process. Justice is a three-way street: justice to the defendant, justice to the prosecution who has assembled witnesses and justice to the society”.

Earlier in his submissions, he urged the court to enter a not guilty plea for Bello to pave the way for his trial contending that under Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, a defendant’s physical presence in court is not an absolute requirement for arraignment.

“The right to plead guilty or not guilty is a right that can be waived by the defendant,” adding that Bello’s absence should not impede the case.

“My first application is to formally enter a plea of not guilty to the defendant, even in his absence. The second point is, notwithstanding his physical absence, trial can proceed. What prejudice will the defendant suffer if my lord enters a plea of guilty or not guilty in his absence? Even if he was in court and pleaded not guilty, the situation would still be the same. The entry of a plea of not guilty by your lordship is an invitation to the prosecution to come and prove the veracity of the allegations”, he said.

In response, counsel for the defendant, Michael Adoyi, opposed the prosecution’s motion, citing a previous court order requiring the defendant’s presence before any applications could be entertained. He emphasized that the application was contrary to the court’s directive issued earlier. “Our first point of response to the application made by the learned senior counsel to the complainant is that the application is made contrary to the subsisting order of this honourable court, even made this morning, that no application can be entertained by this court in the absence of the arraignment of the defendant,” he said.

Pinheiro rebutted Adoyi’s argument, urging the court to reject the defence’s position and proceed with the plea entry, assuring that it would not infringe on the defendant’s rights or affect the trial’s fairness.

Justice Nwite, after listening to both parties, noted that a ruling on the matter may not be possible within the current year due to court schedules. “It may not be possible to deliver this ruling this year.

Pinheiro proposed that the matter be adjourned for ruling and arraignment, which Justice Nwite granted, adjourning the case until January 21, 2025.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

EVENTS

“Ned Nwoko Paid Us N5 Million Each To Kill Regina Daniels” – Man Claims As Video Goes Viral (Watch)

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A young man has sparked widespread reactions on social media after claiming that Senator Ned Nwoko offered him and others N5 million each to kill his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels.

Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian billionaire and politician, has been embroiled in a highly publicised marital crisis with Regina Daniels, with rumours of separation dominating the headlines in recent months.

Although the couple appears to have moved on separately, the recent allegation has reignited public attention on their turbulent relationship.

In a viral video on X (formerly Twitter), the young man, who partially concealed his face, alleged that the Senator instructed them to carry out the killing, providing Daniels’ location and schedule. He claimed they refused the assignment, citing the high risk involved.

He stated in the video: “Ned Nwoko told us to go and kill Regina Daniels, gave us her location and the time she was going to move, but we refused to do it, because… I cannot do it.”

The man further alleged that even appearing in the video put his life in danger. He added that the Senator had paid them N5 million each and warned Regina Daniels to be cautious during the current ember months.

The revelation has generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock, concern, and disbelief over the claim.

Watch the video below…

EVENTS

“Mistakes Happen” – Woman Begs Husband After DNA Test Reveals He Isn’t The Father Of Her 3 Children (Video)

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A shocking family drama unfolded when a man discovered that the three children he had raised for six years were not biologically his.

The truth came to light just weeks before Thanksgiving, leaving the man devastated and struggling to process the betrayal.

In a post shared by @amebogist on Instagram, it was reported that he asked the woman and her children to leave while he processed the revelation.

But his family, believing the children shouldn’t be punished for their mother’s actions, invited them to the holiday gathering without consulting him.

When the woman and her children arrived, the man became visibly upset, witnesses say he rushed to the front door, blocking their entry, and told his family he wasn’t ready to see them so soon after learning the truth.

The woman reportedly pleaded with him, saying, “Mistake happens,” asking for forgiveness and understanding.

Despite her pleas, the man stood firm, and she eventually left with the children to avoid making the situation worse.

The incident has sparked heated debate online. Some defended the man, arguing he had every right to protect his emotional well-being. Others said the children shouldn’t suffer for their mother’s betrayal.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRvIeDjDvrl/?igsh=djFlYzh6eDNieHJ2

EVENTS

Community Leaders Probe Alleged ‘Underage Marriage’ In Benue (Photos)

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Leaders of the Ikurav-Ya community in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, on Wednesday launched an investigation into an alleged underage marriage that has sparked public debate after the couple’s pre-wedding photos went viral.

According to findings from the inquiry, the bride-to-be, Angel, was born in 2006 and completed her secondary education last year.

Officials also established that both families fully consented to the union.

The girl is also said to be 12 weeks pregnant

The council says the fact-finding exercise was necessary to address misinformation and provide clarity on the issue.

However, according to Zege Orkwande, his personal investigation revealed that the girl is 15 years old and an orphan.

“Ikurav-ya President held an investigation on the controversial underaged Marriage Saga today. According to them, here are the facts discovered: The said girl was born in 2006 (19yrs). The girl passed out from secondary school last year.

“Both parents of the couple are fully in support. My personal facts gathered, the girl is 15yrs and without parents. She’s staying with the aunty who couldn’t fund her education no more. She’s heavily pregnant.

“She got pregnant before her SSCE paper. At least my noise made them to investigate. The girl is pregnant already while date for marriage is 18th December. Before you support such marriage, wait when you give birth to a girl child then give her to a man at age 15 to marry.

“Orkwande give up at this point. Una don WIN,” he wrote.