News
Runaway Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Mobilises Several Groups, Prints Banners For Planned Protest Against EFCC
Heavily troubled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello is currently mobilising some groups to protest against his planned arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), SaharaReporters has learnt.
The anti-graft agency declared 48-year-old Bello wanted after he failed to appear for arraignment on 19-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
SaharaReporters reliably gathered on Monday that fugitive Bello is allegedly sponsoring a protest against EFCC over his trial.
A video SaharaReporters obtained showed some printed banners in preparation for the “solidarity” protest against the anti-graft agency.
Some of the printed banners reads: “Gov. Bello: EFCC Losing Credibility.” “Save Nigerian’s Democracy, Remove the bad eggs!” “Nigerians’ want EFCC to fight for Nigeria not politicians.” “Remove political witchhunt from Judiciary.” “Fighting corruption illegally is corruption!” “Follow due process of the law.” “No Justice in witch-hunt.”
Others read: “We are lawyers of conscience.” “Obedience to court order not optional.” “Obey court order.” “We are Judiciary watchdogs…” “Let Gov. Yahaya Bello breathe!” “Respect Gov. Bello’s rights!” “An independent judiciary is better justice.” “Stop suffocating our Democracy.” “EFCC willing tool in the hands political enemies?” “EFCC: Don’t disobey laws you are created to enforce,” among others.
Although SaharaReporters could not independently ascertain the location where the posters are currently being printed, a source disclosed that they were printed in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Recall April 18, that EFCC had filed 19 criminal count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja against Yahaya Bello.
In the charge filed at the Federal High Court 9, with charge FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, dated March 9, 2024 has Yahaya Adoza Bello as the sole Defendant while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant
The EFCC in the charge SaharaReporters obtained, accused the ex-governor of conversion of a total of N80,246,470,089.88 being funds belonging to Kogi State government in February 2016 to himself, an offence which is contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
Bello was also accused of indirectly procured one Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu to use the sum of N950 million being a proceed of crime for the acquisition of a property lying, being and situate at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja.
On April 17, operatives of the anti-graft agency had laid siege on his Abuja house, but was later rescued by Governor Ahmed Ododo.
Shortly after, a Kogi State Court restrained EFCC from arresting Bello while delivering judgement in a fundamental human rights suit brought against the anti-graft agency.
Within the same time, another court, a Federal High Court presided by Justice Emeka Nwite issued an order of immediate arrest of Bello for the purpose of arraigning him before the court on April 18.
Consequent upon his disappearance and refusal to show up for his trial, the EFCC declared him wanted and wrote to all the security agencies including Immigration Service to place him on their watchlist to prevent him from escaping from the country.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro10 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro14 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro10 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News16 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News15 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
Metro15 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News15 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News10 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped