The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.

He was arrested shortly after surrending to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday afternoon.

He is being grilled over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Bello went to the office with his lawyers on Tuesday morning, following the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed states’ case on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

The former governor drove himself in a black Hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying that the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

Details shortly…

By Francesca Hangeior

The Catholic Diocese of Aba has said that the stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast happened due to overcrowding during the procession.

Reports said those who died during the feast held on Sunday included two elderly women.

An eyewitness stated that the crowd “was too much that there was little or no breathing space.”

However, in a statement dated November 25, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Augustine Echema, the church described the incident as unprecedented.

It assured all that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause.

The statement read in part, “It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day ended in the most tragic way. Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who joined the Eucharistic procession in a joyful mood, met their death due to overcrowding.”

The diocese extended condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured in the incident.

“We condole with the deceased families and sympathise with those injured, who are still receiving treatment in the hospital.

“We pledge our support to the affected families and individuals during this time of grief and emergency,” the statement added.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, on Tuesday, ordered that vehicles without number plates should be impounded across the territory.

He also ordered the deployment of more personnel and equipment for patrols and stop-and-search operations throughout the nation’s capital.

Disu’s directive came on the heels of the rise in one-chance incidents in the FCT.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, also said regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses would be enforced.

Adah urged residents to bear with the command as some of these moves might cause inconvenience to commuters, among others.

She said, “The FCT Police Command is deploying additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to combat rising incidents of ‘one chance’ crimes and car theft.

“We will be impounding vehicles without registration numbers, with only one plate, or using defaced plates. Regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses will also be enforced.

“While these operations may cause some inconvenience, they reflect our commitment to the safety of all FCT residents and to deterring criminal activities targeting motorists and passengers.”

Adeh said through these operations, some vehicles had been recovered and suspects arrested.

She said, “Since launching these measures, we have successfully recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended ‘one chance’ robbers. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during these operations, and we advise vehicle owners to ensure compliance with all regulations.

“The FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment. We encourage residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with our officers. Your safety is our priority.”