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JUST IN: FCT HIGH COURT ADMITS EX-GOV BELLO TO N500M BAIL

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JUST IN: FCT HIGH COURT ADMITS EX-GOV BELLO TO N500M BAIL—-The Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Thursday, granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.

Justice Maryann Anenih had, on December 10, refused the ex-governor’s bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.

While delivering the initial ruling, she said, having been filed when the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.

There was, however room for the governor’s lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date.

The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others.

He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

When the case was called for hearing, on Thursday, Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defence counsels had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsels.

He, however, applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”

There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN. The court, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.

Daudu, SAN also informed the court that discussions had taken place with the leader of the prosecution counsels, resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.

In light of this understanding, Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.

He further requested that if the court would graciously grant the Defendant bail, the court should kindly review the bail conditions for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.

He urged the court to broaden the scope of properties to be used as bail sureties to include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than limiting the location solely to Maitama.

The prosecution counsel, Enitan SAN, acknowledged that Daudu SAN had been in talks with the prosecution team.

In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), the EFCC Counsel gave assurance of their cooperation in expediting the trial.

He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.

“As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.

“We are therefore leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”

Delivering her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offence the 1st Defendant was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like sum.

The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro.

The 1st Defendant was also asked to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court. He is to remain at Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.

The court also granted the application to vary the bail conditions for the 2nd and 3rd Defendants, Umaru Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, respectively.

They were granted bail in the sum of N300 million, with two sureties who must own landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Apo, Garki, Wuse, or Guzape. The location was initially restricted to Maitama.

They are to deposit their international passports and other travel documents with the court.

The 2nd and 3rd Defendants are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

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JUST IN: Manchester City Found Guilty of 114 Premier League Financial Charges

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JUST IN: Manchester City Found Guilty of 114 Premier League Financial Charges—-Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of all but one of the 115 alleged Premier League financial breaches, with sanctions yet to be determined and the club expected to appeal.

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, bringing a major development to one of the longest-running financial cases in English football.

The reported verdict was delivered by an independent commission following a lengthy hearing into allegations dating back to the 2009-10 season. The Premier League originally charged City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation into the club’s financial affairs.

According to reports from The Athletic and The Times, the independent commission ruled against Manchester City on all but one of the 115 charges.

The allegations covered several areas, including claims that City failed to provide accurate financial information, failed to properly disclose payments to players and coaches, breached UEFA financial regulations and the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, and failed to cooperate with the league’s investigation.

Verdict Yet to Be Publicly Released

Despite the reported outcome, the Premier League has not formally published the commission’s verdict.

A Premier League spokesperson told Reuters that the matter remains confidential and the league would not comment on the reported findings. Manchester City also indicated that the process is not yet complete.

City have consistently denied wrongdoing since the charges were brought and are expected to appeal the reported findings.

The club said the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed and subject to strict confidentiality.

What Were Manchester City Charged With?

The 115 charges relate primarily to alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018, while separate allegations concerned the club’s alleged failure to cooperate with the Premier League investigation.

Reports indicate that 54 of the charges relate to alleged failures to provide accurate financial information, while another 35 concern alleged failures to cooperate with the investigation.

Further allegations involved the reporting of player and manager compensation as well as alleged breaches of UEFA financial regulations and the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

The hearing before the three-person independent commission lasted around 12 weeks and concluded in December 2024. The verdict was then delayed for a prolonged period because of the complexity of the case.

Punishment Has Not Been Decided

Manchester City have not yet been handed a punishment.

The sanctions that could potentially be considered under Premier League rules include financial penalties and sporting sanctions, although the eventual punishment will depend on the commission’s findings and the next stages of the process.

The club’s expected appeal could further prolong the case.

For now, the reported verdict represents a dramatic development in a case that has followed Manchester City for more than three years and covers a period in which the club established itself as one of the dominant forces in English football.

Manchester City maintain their position that they have acted properly and have consistently defended themselves against the allegations.

With the verdict reportedly going against the club on 114 of the 115 charges, attention will now turn to the official publication of the commission’s decision, the sanctions, and Manchester City’s expected appeal.

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BREAKING: Haaland Scores Controversial Goal as 10-Men Manchester City Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford

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BREAKING: Haaland Scores Controversial Goal as 10-Men Manchester City Defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford—-Erling Haaland struck after a lengthy VAR review to hand 10-man Manchester City a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a fiery Manchester derby.

Manchester City secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland’s controversial second-half goal settling a fiercely contested Manchester derby.

City were forced to play with 10 men for more than an hour after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Enzo Maresca’s side remained disciplined and eventually found the breakthrough through Haaland.

The decisive moment arrived around the hour mark when Haaland found the net, only for the assistant referee to immediately raise the flag for offside.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned and the goal was awarded. Replays showed that Patrick Dorgu’s outstretched foot had played Haaland onside, while Enzo Fernández’s position was deemed not to constitute interference with play.

The decision sparked furious reactions from the home supporters, with Manchester United players also questioning whether Fernández’s position had interfered with their ability to defend the move.

United were handed a major advantage by Foden’s dismissal but failed to capitalise on it. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both struck the woodwork as the hosts desperately searched for an equaliser.

Manchester City’s defence held firm during the closing stages, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial late save to deny Bryan Mbeumo and preserve the visitors’ clean sheet.

The victory was particularly impressive given City’s lengthy spell with 10 men and handed Maresca a huge win in his first Manchester derby as City manager.

For Haaland, the goal continued his remarkable record against Manchester United and proved enough to give City all three points in one of the most controversial derbies in recent years.

The result keeps Manchester City’s perfect Premier League start intact, with the champions moving onto 12 points from four matches, level with Arsenal at the top of the table but behind the Gunners on goal difference. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain on just four points after four matches.

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