Politics

Court Rejects EFCC’s Request To Arraign Yahaya Bello Without His Counsel, Adjourns To Dec 13

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2 weeks ago

November 29, 2024

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Court Rejects EFCC’s Request To Arraign Yahaya Bello Without His Counsel, Adjourns To Dec 13

•Ex-Gov to remain in custody

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, adjourned sitting on the alleged N80bn fraud charge against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to December 13, 2024
for the Motion for abridgment and possible arraignment.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the sitting in the interest of fair hearing, noting that the matter had been originally adjourned to January 21, 2025.

When the matter was called on Friday, the former Governor was asked why his lawyers were not in court. He said he was only informed of the sitting late Thursday night and so could not contact his lawyers to be at the court.

The EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, insisted that the Defendant’s plea be taken.

“What the law requires is the presence of the Defendant, not the presence of his lawyers,” he argued. But the judge declined.

While delivering a short ruling, Justice Nwite said, “The matter came up on the 30th of October 2024. It was adjourned to 21st January 2025. From the statement of the Defendant, his Lawyers are not aware of today’s date. In the interest of fair hearing, I will not proceed for arraignment.

“The prosecution should serve the Defendant’s Lawyer with the application for abridgment of time while we come back to take that.

“This matter is peculiar. It is peculiar in the sense that we have already agreed on a date, which is in January…It will be unfair if the matter is taken without the defendant’s counsel. It would be a different thing if the defendant had no counsel,” the Judge said.

The Court suggested December 13, 2024 for the Motion for abridgment.

However, the EFCC counsel applied that the date be for Motion and possible arraignment and that the Court should order that the defendant should remain in EFCC custody till the 13th of December when he is to appear before the Court.

The judge agreed and so ordered.
He directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendant’s counsel, while the Defendant should remain in the EFCC’s custody till December 13.

Recall that at the last hearing on October 30, Justice Nwite had adjourned arraignment to January 21, 2025. But the EFCC had applied for the abridgment of the adjourned date initially fixed for arraignment.

The Defendant’s lawyers were, however, not put on notice.

Former governor Bello is already in EFCC custody over a fresh N110bn charge before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The ruling on his bail application was adjourned to December 10, while he and his Co-Defendants were to remain in the Commission’s custody till that date.

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JUST IN: President Tinubu Announces Fresh Key Appointments (FULL LIST)

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2 days ago

December 8, 2024

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JUST IN: President Tinubu Announces Fresh Key Appointments (FULL LIST)—-TCN reports that Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president (information and strategy) made this known in a statement on Friday evening, December 6.

Onanuga disclosed that President Tinubu appointed Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, as the organisation’s executive secretary.

Prof. Ribadu is an expert in veterinary reproduction and has served as vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa state and the Sule Lamido University, Jigawa state.

President Tinubu appointed Prof. Salisu Shehu as executive secretary of the NERDC.

Prof Shehu is a renowned academic in educational and human Psychology. He was said to be instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and was the vice-chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

The president also announced Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri’s appointment as the National Coordinator of NEPAD.

Jabilu Tsauri holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University.

He is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative affairs, global affairs, and democratic governance and vast experience in public service.

Lastly, Tinubu appointed Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the executive secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

Yazid Danfulani holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom (UK).

He has extensive experience in Banking, Computing, and Business Administration.

He once worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and was also a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

According to the presidency, the Nigerian leader believes the appointees’ experience and track record will bring a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to fulfil Nigerians’ expectations of their respective organisations.

Check out the list of the new appointees below:

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) – Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council – Prof. Salisu Shehu

National Coordinator, New Partnership for Africa Development – Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri

Executive Secretary, SMDF/PAGMI – Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani

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Politics

JUST IN: John Mahama Of Opposition Party Declared Winner Of Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election

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2 days ago

December 8, 2024

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JUST IN: John Mahama Of Opposition Party Declared Winner Of Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election—-John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been declared the winner of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election.

This victory marks a significant political shift, as Mahama unseats the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana announced Mahama’s triumph after a hotly contested election that saw millions of Ghanaians head to the polls on December 7. Preliminary results indicate that Mahama secured a majority of the votes, signaling widespread support for the NDC’s vision of change.

In his victory speech, Mahama expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their confidence in his leadership. “This victory belongs to every Ghanaian who believes in the power of democracy and the promise of a better future,” he said. “Together, we will rebuild trust in our institutions, revive the economy, and ensure that no one is left behind.”

The campaign period was marked by debates over economic policies, job creation, and corruption, with Mahama promising reforms to tackle unemployment and revive key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. His message resonated strongly with young voters and rural communities, who have expressed frustration over rising costs of living and limited opportunities.

The victory is also a personal comeback for Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017 but lost his re-election bid in 2016. His return to power underscores a shift in public sentiment, as many Ghanaians appear ready to embrace his leadership once again. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has yet to issue a statement conceding defeat, but local and international observers have largely described the election as free and fair, praising Ghana’s strong democratic traditions.

As Mahama prepares to take office in January 2025, the nation looks to his administration to address pressing economic and social challenges. Ghanaians are hopeful that this new chapter in their democracy will bring progress and unity to the country. Observers are now closely watching how Mahama will navigate the transition period and assemble a government capable of fulfilling his campaign promises.

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