politics

Alleged N80b fraud : Legality of EFCC has Power to Arraign Yahaya Bello, will take Place Today

Published

1 year ago

April 22, 2024

The legal tussle over the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) having the power to arraign former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged N80.2 billion fraud will begin today at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appellate court is expected to hear EFCC’s application seeking to set aside the interim injunction of a High Court in Kogi barring the commission from arresting the former governor.

NAN also reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to deliver a ruling tomorrow on EFCC’s request for the court to grant an order to effect substituted service of the charge on Bello.
Justice Isa Abdullahi of a Kogi High Court, on February 9, gave an interim order restraining the EFCC from taking any action against Bello, pending the determination of the substantive matter.
But the EFCC later approached the Court of Appeal on March 11, asking the appellate court to set aside the interim restraining order.
The commission informed the appellate court that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to assist Bello to escape prosecution for his alleged offence.
It averred that Bello could not use the lower court to escape invitation, investigation, and possible prosecution.
But hearing of the EFCC’s appeal over the interim order will also face a fierce legal argument as the Kogi High Court on April 17 delivered its substantive judgment in the matter.
The court directed the commission to seek the leave of the Court of Appeal before taking further steps against Bello.
This development indicates that the EFCC will have to appeal against the fresh substantive judgment, get the appellate court’s pronouncement before it can proceed with any action against Bello.

Also, in the ensuing altercations between the former governor and the EFCC, some Nigerians have faulted the commission’s propriety to prosecute the former governor.

Others, however, said Bello should submit himself for the commission’s scrutiny, if he has nothing to hide.

Groups that have condemned the EFCC for allegedly witch-hunting Bello include the North Central Integrity Group and the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL).

Also, some APC chieftains, including the Chairman of Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), Jesutega Onokpasa, as well as Abubarkar Iliyasu and Comrade Felix Etedjere, urged sitting governors, former governors and politically exposed persons to stand against what they called the unjust persecution of Yahaya Bello.

The APC chieftains, who spoke yesterday in Abuja through Onokpasa, described Bello’s travail as a coordinated witch-hunt.

He said: “The remedy against an order of court is to vacate the order or to appeal the same and most certainly not for law enforcement to thump its nose against the court and decompose into lawlessness and brigandage…

Also, Ebira Land Youths Coalition urged the Federal Government to ensure that the former governor is not put in harm’s way in the course of his ordeal with the EFCC.

But the Network of Professional Kogi State Youths urged Bello to submit himself to the EFCC for trial over N80 billion money laundering charges levelled against him.

In a statement by its spokesman Abdulquadri Shuaibu, the network said frowned at Bello’s alleged disregard for the rule of law, including evasion of a lawful arrest.

It described the former governor’s action as “regrettable, disgraceful and embarrassing”.

“As a united Coalition representing the citizens of Kogi State, we issue a 24-hour ultimatum to Governor Yahaya Bello to vacate the Government House and surrender to the EFCC or the nearest Police Station. Failure to comply, we will occupy the Government House in a mega protest to ensure Governor Bello’s accountability and safeguard the integrity of our judicial system,” the statement said.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

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politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

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politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

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