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Former Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello Disqualified From APC Senatorial Primaries Over Failure To Appear Before Screening Panel
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Ex- Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was not cleared to participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries after reportedly failing to appear before the party’s screening panel.
This is based on a list of screened APC senatorial aspirants from Kogi State, which emanated from the Kogi State Secretariat of the ruling party and was obtained.
Bello is currently facing two separate cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the cases involves alleged money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion in a 19-count charge.
The EFCC accused the former governor and others of criminal breach of trust and laundering funds allegedly diverted from the Kogi State treasury through multiple private accounts and luxury property acquisitions in Nigeria and Dubai.
The matter is being heard before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The trial has featured testimonies from several high-profile witnesses, including bank officials, who reportedly spoke about structured cash deposits allegedly designed to evade financial reporting requirements.
Bello is also facing a separate 16-count charge involving alleged fraud and breach of trust amounting to N110.4 billion.
In the second case, the EFCC accused Bello and two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of diverting public funds belonging to Kogi State.
Party sources familiar with the screening process told SaharaReporters that the former governor deliberately stayed away from the exercise to avoid answering questions relating to the criminal allegations against him.
One of the APC sources in the state told SaharaReporters, “Yahaya Bello was not cleared by the APC. He didn’t participate in the screening exercise. He was disqualified.”
Another source said, “APC Kogi senatorial screening report shows Yahaya Bello isn’t cleared. This is because he didn’t want to be judged by question 7 in the APC senatorial form which has to do with the disclosure of ongoing criminal investigations. He is not cleared because of that.”
The source added, “The EFCC had laid ambush for him at the party secretariat in case he came for the screening, hence, he ran to Lagos.”
Bello, who is aspiring for Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been at the centre of multiple corruption allegations and ongoing legal battles involving alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.
Bello’s bid for the APC ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District has remained controversial due to his ongoing corruption trial and the political tensions surrounding his return to elective politics.
His legal troubles have drawn national attention after the EFCC declared him wanted in 2024 following repeated controversies over his arraignment and allegations that he was being shielded from arrest.
The former governor eventually appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Despite the ongoing trial, Bello’s ambition to represent Kogi Central in the Senate sparked criticism from opposition figures, civil society groups, and some members within the APC who argued that his candidacy could damage the party’s image ahead of the elections.
Critics have also questioned the morality of allowing a politician facing high-profile corruption charges to contest for public office while his trial remains unresolved.
News
Army Nabs Wanted Soldier Accused Of Supplying Uniforms To Terrorists While Escaping to Cameroon
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have nabbed a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military wares to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.
Preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted by the Army, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, where he allegedly went into hiding.
Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.Government
Military sources described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplice.
News
AEDC Promotes 547 Employees, Raises Pay For 579 Others
Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has promoted 547 employees and approved salary step increments for 579 others as part of a broad workforce development programme designed to reward outstanding performance, strengthen staff motivation and drive organisational excellence.
The exercise, which benefitted 1,126 employees, followed the successful completion of the company’s 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise and underscores AEDC’s commitment to building a high-performing, customer-focused workforce.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the initiative reflects the company’s resolve to place employees at the heart of its transformation agenda, stressing that investment in human capital remains critical to achieving sustainable growth.
He described the promotions and salary adjustments as a recognition of diligence, professionalism and commitment, noting that the company would continue to reward excellence while creating opportunities for career advancement.
According to him, AEDC is intentionally fostering a work environment where merit, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork determine career progression, adding that employee welfare remains a key pillar of the company’s long-term strategy.
“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. This is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth,” Okwuokenye said.
He explained that the organisation is committed to providing employees with fulfilling career opportunities that enable them to maximise their potential while contributing to AEDC’s ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies.
The AEDC chief also urged employees who were not promoted in the current appraisal cycle to remain committed, assuring them that the company’s performance management system is structured to support continuous improvement, skills development and future career progression.
AEDC said the promotion and salary increment exercise forms part of its broader strategy to cultivate a performance-driven culture, encourage professionalism and recognise employees who contribute significantly to the company’s growth.
The company added that as it continues to modernise operations, improve electricity service delivery and enhance customer experience, it will sustain investments in staff development to strengthen productivity and reinforce its position as one of Nigeria’s preferred employers in the power sector.
News
Suspected Hoodlums Cart Away PVCs At Distribution Centre In Osun
Some hoodlums suspected to be political thugs on Sunday stormed a permanent voter’s card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, the headquarters of the Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state, and carted away two packs of PVCs.
The INEC officials were busy distributing the cards at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, when the thugs suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air, scaring residents and officials, and took two packs of cards and left the venue before police could arrive at the scene.
The spokesperson of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said that about ten armed hoodlums invaded the centre, fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs before fleeing the scene.
Ojelabi disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Reacting to the development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack. She said she was to get the detailed report on the attack, adding that she is yet to know the exact number of PVCs carted away by the hoodlums.
The REC, however, assured the people of the state that the governorship election would be free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent.
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