Connect with us

Published

on

Yahaya Bello: New Twist As EFCC Seeks To Jail 2 Senior Lawyers—-The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to consider contempt charges against two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Ifedayo Adedipe and Abdulwahab Muhammed.

This follows their failure to produce former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for arraignment, despite assurances given to the court.

Judge Emeka Nwite had adjourned the proceedings until Thursday based on the commitment made by the SANs to ensure Bello’s presence, but he was absent once again.

The court has now set July 17 for a ruling on the EFCC’s application to cite the two defence counsel for contempt.

In response, Bello wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting that his trial for an alleged N80.2 billion laundering charge be transferred to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. In a letter penned by Muhammed, Bello argued that since the funds in question belong to the state, the trial should rightfully be held in Lokoja.

“We hereby apply for the transfer of the case from the Abuja judicial division to the Lokoja division of the Federal High Court,” the letter stated, citing the location of the alleged offenses and the jurisdiction of the court.

The Chief Judge has directed the EFCC to respond to Bello’s request within six days, following a letter dated June 14 addressed to EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

During the recent court session, Adedipe referred to both the letters from Bello and the Chief Judge when discussing the arraignment. He indicated that the issue of Bello’s appearance in court should be put on hold pending the outcome of his client’s request.

Prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) contested Adedipe’s stance, arguing that the court had scheduled the arraignment based on the assurance that Bello would be present, which was not fulfilled.

“The letter to the Chief Judge does not negate the undertaking,” Pinheiro asserted, emphasizing that the failure to produce Bello constituted professional misconduct and potential contempt of court.

The judge adjourned the matter until July 17 to rule on the EFCC’s application for contempt charges against the two SANs and the subsequent arraignment of Yahaya Bello.

0Shares
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Sports

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Published

on

Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

0Shares
Continue Reading

News

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

Published

on

Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

0Shares