Crime

EFCC Counsels Pick New Date, Said ‘Today Not Convenient’ – Yahaya Bello’s Counsels

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2024

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EFCC Counsels Pick New Date, Said ‘Today Not Convenient’ – Yahaya Bello‘s Counsels

Court adjourns to June 27 for arraignment

The Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned arraignment of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on an alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to June 27, following an agreement by the counsels of the two parties.

A new date, June 27, had earlier been reportedly fixed for arraignment at the instance of the EFCC counsels.

There was, however, a mild drama in court when Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance for EFCC and claimed ignorance of the agreement.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Counsel to Governor Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached AbdulWahab Mohammed SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the June 13 date would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

Adedipe SAN, who was in court for another matter, was surprised when he heard that Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was in court for the Yahaya Bello/EFCC case.

“They (EFCC) agreed that junior counsels would be sent to court today to formally pick a date. And the registry can confirm this,” Adedipe said.

“Kemi Pinhero SAN has been calling us to say today is not convenient,” he added. Kemi Pinhero is the lead counsel.

But for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Governor Yahaya Bello, was said to be ready to appear in court today.

“Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them. We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Adedipe noted.

In a strange twist, however, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said he was not aware of any meeting that happened outside the court, that he did not know about the understanding to adjourn till 27th.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to June 27 after an undertaking by Adedipe SAN that the defendant would appear on that day.

Nwite said, ordinarily, an agreement outside the court that a new date should be picked should not be enough to ignore the previous undertaking.

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Custody Death Scandal: LawyerTemokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe

Published

2 weeks ago

April 1, 2026

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Custody Death Scandal: Lawyer Temokun Drags NDLEA, Demands Immediate Probe—-Calls for accountability grow after fresh death mirrors earlier prolonged detention case in Ondo.

Human rights lawyer Temokun has condemned the death of a detainee in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The lawyer described the development as alarming, linking it to a previous case in Ondo State involving prolonged detention without due process. In that earlier incident, Temokun had accused authorities of незакон detention and rights violations, insisting that suspects must be charged to court rather than held indefinitely.

He stressed that repeated allegations of unlawful detention and abuse within custody raise serious concerns about accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Temokun called on relevant authorities to thoroughly probe the latest death, ensure justice for the victim, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The NDLEA has yet to issue an official response regarding the latest allegations, as pressure mounts from legal and civil society groups for greater oversight of detention practices.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny of law enforcement agencies over the treatment of detainees and respect for fundamental human rights in Nigeria.

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)

Published

3 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

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Bandit Attack Empties Omugo Village in Kwara State (VIDEO)—-Residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly fled their homes following a fresh wave of bandit attacks, worsening security fears in the area.

The latest incident comes days after armed men stormed a church in the community, abducting several worshippers during a service and throwing residents into panic.

Sources say the repeated attacks have forced the villagers to abandon their homes over fears of further violence, leaving the community deserted.

Security operatives, alongside local vigilantes, have since launched rescue operations, successfully freeing some abducted victims, while efforts continue to secure the release of others.

The Kwara State Government condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act, and assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators.

The development adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kwara, following earlier deadly attacks in nearby communities that left scores dead and displaced many residents.

With fear gripping Omugo, many residents remain displaced as authorities work to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Watch Video of the Deserted Omugo Village Below: