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Asset forfeiture: Again, Federal High Court Refuses To Hear EFCC’s Stay of Execution Application against Yahaya Bello

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Asset forfeiture: Again, Federal High Court Refuses To Hear EFCC’s Stay of Execution Application against Yahaya Bello—Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, refused to entertain an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling that lifted a forfeiture order on some assets linked to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The judge adjourned the hearing of the application indefinitely because the matter is now before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Oweibo had, on April 26, 2023, struck out a suit by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of the properties on the grounds of provisions of Section 308(1) of the Constitution.

The Judge had held that “given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/ criminal prosecution, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter”, and the suit was struck out.

When the matter was called on Monday, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that he had filed an application dated April 27, 2023, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling pending the outcome of the appeal on the case.

But in his response, counsel to the Kogi State governor, Akoh Ocheni, asked the court to strike out the application because the anti-graft agency failed to comply with the rules of the court, which mandates it to file a written address along with the application.

Ocheni also informed the court that the matter was now before the Court of Appeal as records of proceedings have been transmitted to the upper court.

He argued that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to continue to hear the application.

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter sine die to await the appellate court’s decision.

The judge had earlier on February 22, granted a temporary forfeiture order following an exparte motion filed by the EFCC seeking to seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Governor Bello, however, filed a Notice of Intention to oppose and an application seeking the vacation of the interim forfeiture order.

The Governor, through his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), also argued that the property listed were not proceeds of unlawful acts, as they were acquired long before he was elected as Kogi State Governor and could not have been received from Kogi State funds.

He further submitted that the case was in flagrant disobedience to a state high court order, which restrained the Economic or government agency from taking action that may lead to the forfeiture of the properties.

He added that the interim forfeiture order was obtained by either suppression or misrepresenting facts by the Commission.

The governor also said that the proceeding of the Crime Act could not take effect in retrospect as the property in dispute was acquired before he became Kogi state governor.

He said the validity of the Crime Act is being challenged at the Supreme Court.

In his response, the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the applicant had placed sufficient materials before the court to convince the court to vacate the order.

The judge held that given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/criminal prosecution, the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The court, therefore, struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

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Davido Unveils Tracklist for Upcoming Album ORIADÉ

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Davido Unveils Tracklist for Upcoming Album ORIADÉ—-The Afrobeats superstar has unveiled the official 13-track lineup for his sixth studio album, featuring collaborations with Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Leon Thomas, Mayorkun, FOLA and Llona ahead of its July 31 release.

Nigerian music superstar Davido has officially unveiled the tracklist for his highly anticipated sixth studio album, ORIADÉ, giving fans their clearest look yet at what to expect from one of the year’s biggest Afrobeats releases.

The 13-track project, scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Davido’s career as it arrives exactly 15 years after he launched his professional music journey. The album blends Afrobeats with global influences and features an impressive lineup of guest artists, underscoring the singer’s continued international appeal.

Davido Reveals ORIADÉ Tracklist

Among the featured artists are Ghanaian star Black Sherif, French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, American R&B artist Leon Thomas, as well as Nigerian acts Mayorkun, FOLA, and Llona. The collaborations have heightened anticipation among fans, many of whom have praised the diversity of the lineup across social media.

The album includes the previously released single “I Know Who I Be,” which has served as the lead single and offered listeners an early taste of the sound and direction Davido intends to explore on the new project. The singer has previously described ORIADÉ as a deeply personal body of work with something for every type of listener.

Davido first announced the album in June through a cinematic teaser inspired by Yoruba culture and royalty, revealing both the title and release date. The title ORIADÉ has since generated widespread conversation among fans, with many interpreting it as a celebration of heritage, identity and achievement.

The unveiling of the tracklist has further intensified excitement ahead of Friday’s release, with fans eagerly awaiting what could become another landmark project in Davido’s celebrated career. Having consistently delivered chart-topping albums and hit singles over the past decade and a half, the award-winning singer will be looking to add another successful chapter to his discography with ORIADÉ.

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Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach for Second Spell

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Roberto Mancini Appointed Italy Head Coach for Second Spell—-The Italian Football Federation has confirmed the return of Euro 2020-winning manager Roberto Mancini, who replaces Gennaro Gattuso as the Azzurri begin a new era following another World Cup qualification failure.

Roberto Mancini has been appointed as Italy’s new head coach for a second spell in charge, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Tuesday, marking the return of the manager who guided the Azzurri to UEFA Euro 2020 glory.

The 61-year-old replaces Gennaro Gattuso, who stepped down after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the nation’s unprecedented run of missing three consecutive World Cup tournaments. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò confirmed Mancini’s appointment during a Federal Council meeting, describing him as the best candidate to lead the national team’s rebuild.

Mancini previously managed Italy between 2018 and 2023, transforming the national side after their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His greatest achievement came in 2021 when he led the Azzurri to the European Championship title, defeating England on penalties at Wembley. However, his first tenure was also overshadowed by Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before he resigned in 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia.

After leaving Saudi Arabia, Mancini spent time with Qatar’s Al-Sadd before becoming available for an international return. His reappointment follows a turbulent period within the federation after attempts to appoint Pep Guardiola and Andrea Pirlo both collapsed. Pirlo’s candidacy was abandoned following controversy surrounding his commercial ties to a Russian betting company, triggering the resignations of newly appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and adviser Leonardo.

As part of the federation’s restructuring, veteran coach Claudio Ranieri has been named Italy’s new technical director. The former Leicester City and Roma manager will oversee the country’s football development programme while working closely with Mancini as the federation seeks to restore the Azzurri to the summit of international football.

Mancini’s immediate priority will be rebuilding confidence within the national team ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign and the qualification process for UEFA Euro 2028. Italy’s recent struggles have intensified calls for sweeping reforms, but federation officials believe the return of the Euro-winning coach offers the stability and experience needed to guide the four-time world champions back to the elite level of international football.

The appointment marks a remarkable return for one of Italy’s most successful modern managers. Having already delivered a major international trophy during his first spell, Mancini will now be tasked with restoring pride to the Azzurri and ensuring the national team never again endures the disappointment of missing football’s biggest tournament.

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