Activists to EFCC: Those calling for Yahaya Bello’s arrest despite court process ‘tools in the hands of desperate political actors’

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2024

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Again, scores of activists hit the streets of Lagos on Saturday demanding an end to what they described as the mischievous use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission platform to malign perceived enemies by opposition forces.

The activists, who frowned at the consistent call for anarchy in a democratic setting by those that their investigations had established to be working for known opposition figures in Kogi State, called on the EFCC to ignore the “sponsored, desperate calls” and focus on toeing the path of the rule of law.

The over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organizations, under the broad umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, said those calling for the EFCC to ignore an ongoing court process and forcefully arrest a defendant, former Governor Yahaya Bello, were not only ignorant of the rule of law and up to some mischief, but also tools in the hands of desperate political actors to rubbish the integrity of the Commission.

While commending the EFCC for heeding the calls of reasonable, unbiased Nigerians and CSOs for the Commission to correct past mistakes and avoid disregard for the rule of law, the activists labelled those calling for Yahaya Bello’s arrest as anarchists who the EFCC boss must be wary of.

“The same way this particular group of people have spread falsehood against judges, who they earlier boasted were for them, against prominent figures perceived to be close to President Bola Tinubu, and against APC governors that they felt were supporting them during the election in Kogi and at the Tribunal, is the same way they will turn against the EFCC boss with baseless allegations. It is their stock in trade. The EFCC boss and other relevant authorities must detect this and put them in their place,” Segun Abegunde, Co-Convener of the Joint CSOs platform, said.

Abegunde, who is also the Coordinator of the South West Progressive Youths Organisation stated, “We insist that this is beyond corruption investigation but political persecution. Some sponsored anarchists still went to the EFCC Zonal office today to call on the Commission to use military force to attack the defendant’s known residences and abduct him. There have been insinuations that they are even planning to use fake soldiers in order to inflict maximum damage.”

“The target of these anarchists is to provoke crisis so that a state of emergency can be declared in the state. If they’ve lost at the polls and at the Tribunal, they most likely think they can create a crisis that will still serve their purpose. Why the desperation to hunt the man down at all costs? Many who understand the politics in the state know that these calls are nothing more than a revenge mission for a botched Igala agenda, believed to be the sole fault of Bello, as well as a way for other political enemies in the state to get their pound of flesh,” the activists noted.

According to them, “these anarchists” must be called to order as they have allowed their insatiable appetite for revenge turn them into agents of destruction for the country.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to call on the security agencies to be at alert as nothing bad must happen to Yahaya Bello or any of his family members.

“Let the courts decide Yahaya Bello’s fate. Desperate opposition forces should not plot to kill him by all means. We demand due court processes. We say no to political persecution. We say no to opposition politicians using EFCC to attack Yahaya Bello who they consider their political enemy.

“EFCC must avoid anarchists bent on tarnishing its image. They should rather sharpen their political skills and leave the anti-graft agency alone. We will always give our unflinching support to the EFCC to carry out its duties strictly in line with the rule of the same law that set it up,” the activists said.

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BREAKING: Declan Rice Fires Late Equaliser as Arsenal Hold Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena

Published

14 hours ago

October 21, 2026

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BREAKING: Declan Rice Fires Late Equaliser as Arsenal Hold Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena—-The England midfielder struck in the 82nd minute to earn Arsenal a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich after Harry Kane had put the German champions ahead from the penalty spot.

Arsenal produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, with Declan Rice scoring a crucial equaliser in the 82nd minute of their UEFA Champions League encounter.

The Gunners looked set to suffer their first defeat of the league phase after Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to give Bayern the lead. However, Rice delivered a timely response to ensure Mikel Arteta’s side left Germany with a valuable point.

Eze Gives Arsenal the Lead

Arsenal suffered an early setback when Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury after approximately 10 minutes.

Eberechi Eze replaced the England winger and made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the 25th minute after receiving a superb pass from Martin Ødegaard.

Eze drove forward before firing into the bottom corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed the effort, giving Arsenal a 1-0 advantage.

Bayern responded through Alphonso Davies, who levelled the contest in the 35th minute after a brilliant through ball from Kane.

Kane Puts Bayern Ahead

The contest remained finely balanced after the interval, with both goalkeepers making important saves to keep their teams in the game.

Bayern eventually took the lead in the 61st minute when Kane converted a penalty after Jurriën Timber handled the ball inside the area.

The former Tottenham striker calmly dispatched the spot kick, putting the hosts 2-1 ahead and leaving Arsenal facing the prospect of defeat.

Kane’s goal also extended his remarkable scoring run in the Champions League to 10 consecutive matches.

Rice Rescues a Point for Arsenal

With time running out, Arsenal found their breakthrough through a well-worked attacking move.

Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres combined in the build-up before Rice surged into the penalty area and fired a low finish beyond Manuel Neuer from an acute angle.

The 82nd-minute strike restored parity at 2-2 and silenced the home crowd, giving Arsenal renewed belief as they pushed for a late winner.

Despite further pressure from the visitors, neither side managed to find another goal, and the points were shared.

Arsenal Maintain Unbeaten Champions League Run

The draw extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase and took their tally to seven points from three matches, following victories over Napoli and Lille.

Bayern, meanwhile, were left frustrated after surrendering their lead late in the contest.

For Arsenal, Rice’s equaliser represented a significant moment in a demanding away fixture, while Eze’s contribution after replacing the injured Saka provided another positive from the encounter.

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BREAKING: Como Humble Manchester United 4-1 At Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, as Nico Paz Hits Brace in Champions League Rout

Published

17 hours ago

October 21, 2026

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BREAKING: Como Humble Manchester United 4-1 At Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, as Nico Paz Hits Brace in Champions League Rout—–Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist as Champions League newcomers Como produced a stunning performance to dismantle Manchester United in Italy.

Como delivered a memorable European night on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, thrashing Manchester United 4–1 in the UEFA Champions League as Nico Paz inspired the Italian side to a commanding victory.

The Argentine midfielder scored twice and assisted another goal, helping Cesc Fàbregas’ team overwhelm Michael Carrick’s visitors at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Manchester United struggled to contain Como’s attacking movement throughout the encounter, with the hosts establishing control early and extending their advantage after the break.

Nico Paz Strikes Early

Como needed just two minutes to take the lead through Paz, who collected a pass from Lucas da Cunha before curling a left-footed effort into the far corner.

The early goal gave the hosts momentum, while United struggled to establish a foothold in the contest.

Despite having opportunities to respond, the visitors failed to find an equaliser before halftime, allowing Como to carry their advantage into the break.

Paz Turns Provider as Como Extend Their Lead

Como doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half when Paz delivered a perfectly weighted through ball for Anastasios Douvikas.

The Greek forward broke through the United defence and finished past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2–0 in the 49th minute.

Paz then produced another decisive moment eight minutes later. After capitalising on a misplaced pass from Carlos Baleba, the Argentine surged forward and finished confidently to complete his brace and put Como 3–0 ahead.

His performance left United facing an increasingly difficult task as the hosts continued to threaten.

Jacobo Ramón Adds the Fourth

Como added a fourth goal in the 76th minute through defender Jacobo Ramón.

Substitute Kaiki Bruno drove forward down the left before delivering a cross that Ramón headed beyond United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The goal capped an impressive attacking display from the home side and underlined the visitors’ defensive struggles.

Zirkzee Scores Late Consolation

Manchester United eventually found the net in stoppage time when Joshua Zirkzee converted a cross from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute, reducing the deficit to 4–1.

However, the late goal did little to change the outcome, as Como comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure an emphatic victory.

A Night to Remember for Como

The result marked a major European achievement for Como, whose Champions League campaign has brought the club onto one of football’s biggest stages.

For Paz, the performance was particularly memorable, with his two goals and assist making him the central figure in the victory.

Manchester United, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a difficult night in Italy after being outplayed by a Como side that combined clinical finishing with effective attacking football.

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