Media Trial: EFCC violated rights of Yahaya Bello’s children – Kogi Youths

Published

2 years ago

May 1, 2024

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Media Trial: EFCC violated rights of Yahaya Bello’s children – Kogi Youths—-***Vow to present case to National Human Rights Commission Scores of youths from Kogi State trooped out in Abuja, on Wednesday, in a May Day solidarity walk for Nigerian children to press home their disappointment with the handling of the much-publicised allegations of corruption against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The youths decried what they called the systemic violation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the former Governor’s children, “who have nothing whatsoever to do with whatever the Commission is investigating their parents for.” President, Kogi Independent Youths Association, Comrade Mohammed Abdulrazak, said, “Let it be on record that we do not support corruption in any manner. What we are against is not following due processes to carry out law enforcement duties, especially when you begin to drag in innocent children into the fray. This can damage them psychologically for life. “Children don’t play politics. Children can’t be punished for the sins of their parents even when such has been proven. Nobody deserves to be punished for a crime they know nothing about, not to talk of innocent children. “Today’s rally is the first in the series of actions we have laid out until justice is done in this matter. All these concerns will be presented to the National Human Rights Commission any moment from now for appropriate intervention especially to protect the rights of the innocent children who have been dragged into this political war by the EFCC.” He added, “As educated youths who are versed in the practice and procedures concerning the arrest, arraignment, and prosecution of an accused person, the due process of the law is sacrosanct and must be duly adhered to and complied with. “Former Governor Yahaya Bello has not been shown any fairness, which is a cardinal principle of law. He has not been served with the notice of charges against him, or arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction by the EFCC, but he has already been arraigned, tried, and convicted by the EFCC going by their utterances in the media and unnecessary display of executive drama.” Abdulrazak pointed out that the 1999 Constitution as Amended guarantees the innocence of an accused person until otherwise proven, but added that the EFCC, in the pursuit of its persecution of ex-Gov Bello, had thrown all caution to the wind and turned his botched arrest into a television and social media soap opera. “This is being done to demonise him,” he said. The President of the Kogi Youths Association said, “We know that before an accused person is arraigned before a court for arraignment and trial, service of charges against him is usually the condition precedent, except where the accused person is on the run. Former Governor Yahaya Bello was not and has never been on the run. In fact, he has an active and running injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction that forbids EFCC from arresting him to which EFCC had appealed against in the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja until they recently withdrew it. “It is the natural course of justice that once an appeal is pending before an appellate court, status quo ought to have been maintained until the appeal is determined, but EFCC in their zeal to prove that they were working as they ought to refused and neglected to obey the order of the court which constitutionally binds them and to which they as a matter of must, obey. But they in disobedience to competent court order disobeyed and laid siege to his house, thereby violating his right to privacy and other constitutionally guaranteed rights. “We are also aware that before a Nigerian citizen is deprived of his property, both corporeal and incorporeal, an order of a court of competent jurisdiction must first be had and obtained. In the instant case of Governor Yahaya Bello, EFCC, in their gestapo style, had forced the American International School to make a refund of nearly $800, 000(eight hundred thousand dollars) being the school fees of his children studying therein, which he paid in advance to avoid the inflation and fluctuations that go with Nigerian economy. “This action of the EFCC has brought to and exposed the children to so much trauma and opprobrium because of the taunts and mockery they are being bombarded from their fellow classmates. “We are in no way advocating against the trial of the former governor, and if found guilty, face the appropriate sanctions and punishments that go with it, but the anti corruption agency, which is the EFCC must as a matter of obedience to law, follow the procedures because any disobedience to our constitution and extant laws is a recipe for anarchy which is antithetical to our constitutional democracy. “We condemn in its entirety the involvement of those innocent children in whatever EFCC and the powers that be have against their parents. They should have never have been part of any witchunt by the Commission. Their actions against these children are in total violation of the Child’s Rights Act of 2003.”

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer

Published

3 hours ago

August 12, 2026

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer—-The Belgian striker has completed his move to Turkey after Napoli agreed to sell him to Fenerbahçe for a reported €6 million plus bonuses, bringing his two-year spell in Italy to an end.

Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ending his time in Serie A after the two clubs reached an agreement for the Belgian striker.

The 33-year-old has joined the Istanbul club in a permanent transfer, with Italian media reporting that Fenerbahçe will pay around €6 million, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the value of the deal. Neither club formally disclosed the financial details of the transfer.

Lukaku’s departure brings an end to a two-year spell with Napoli, where he played an important role in the club’s domestic success. The Belgian joined the Italian side from Chelsea in 2024 and went on to help Napoli secure the Serie A title during the 2024–25 campaign.

His time in Naples was ultimately disrupted by fitness problems during his final season. Lukaku made only seven appearances during the injury-affected campaign, limiting his opportunities before the decision was eventually taken to move him on.

Despite those difficulties, Lukaku leaves Napoli with a league title on his résumé and a reputation as one of Europe’s most experienced centre-forwards. His physical presence, finishing ability and extensive experience at the highest level made him an attractive target for Fenerbahçe as the Turkish club looked to strengthen its attack.

The move also represents a return to Turkey for Lukaku, who has a personal connection to the country. His father, former professional footballer Roger Lukaku, played for Gençlerbirliği in Ankara, meaning the Belgian spent part of his childhood in Turkey. Lukaku described his return as an emotional moment as he begins a new chapter with Fenerbahçe.

Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish league last season and are looking to close the gap on their rivals while competing for major honours. Lukaku’s arrival gives the club an experienced attacking option capable of leading the line and providing a significant presence in the final third.

The Belgian international also arrives after featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite Belgium’s eventual exit in the quarter-finals, Lukaku scored three goals during the tournament, demonstrating that he remains capable of making an impact on the international stage.

Before joining Napoli, Lukaku enjoyed successful spells at clubs including Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea. His most productive period came at Inter, where he helped the Italian side win the Serie A title in 2020–21 before returning to Chelsea.

His move to Fenerbahçe now gives the veteran striker another opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. For Napoli, the transfer allows the club to move on from a player whose final season was heavily affected by injuries, while Fenerbahçe gain an experienced forward as they pursue domestic and European ambitions.

Lukaku’s arrival is expected to generate significant excitement among Fenerbahçe supporters, who will hope the Belgian can rediscover his best form and provide the goals needed to challenge for silverware in Turkey.

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Fletcher Hails Senator Yayi’s 56th Birthday, Applauds His Commitment to Good Governance

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2 days ago

August 10, 2026

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Fletcher Hails Senator Yayi’s 56th Birthday, Applauds His Commitment to Good Governance—-The President of the Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSN) , Managing Director, OfadaBoy Restaurant, a professional food service company, convener Ofada Rice Day and Co-Convener of Yayi Forward, Mr. Oluwatobi Fletcher (Ofadaboy), has felicitated with the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on his birthday.

Fletcher, who is an indigene of Ofada town in Obafemi Owode local Government in Ogun State, described Senator Adeola as a committed public servant whose political journey and contributions to legislative development have continued to make a significant impact on the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

In a birthday message, Fletcher commended the Senator for his dedication to public service, describing his leadership style as one anchored on grassroots engagement, purposeful representation and commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents.

According to Fletcher, Senator Adeola’s contributions to the development of Ogun West and his broader efforts in supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, empowerment and improved opportunities for the people deserve recognition and commendation.

“Today, we celebrate not just a politician, but a leader whose journey reflects resilience, dedication and a deep commitment to public service. Senator Solomon Adeola has demonstrated that leadership is ultimately about the people and the positive impact one can make in their lives.

“On behalf of APFSN, Yayi Forward and myself, I wish our distinguished Senator a very happy birthday. May God continue to grant him wisdom, good health, strength and the courage to continue serving our people and contributing to the development of our dear nation,” Fletcher said.

The APFSN President further expressed confidence that Senator Adeola would continue to provide purposeful leadership and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

He prayed for many more years of good health, fulfilment, greater accomplishments and continued relevance in public service.

“Happy Birthday, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. May your new age usher in greater opportunities, renewed strength and even greater impact in the service of humanity,” Fletcher added.

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