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Court adjourns Yahaya Bello’s N80.2bn fraud trial to April 3

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the N80.2 billion fraud case to April 3, following the commencement of witness testimony by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.

At Wednesday’s hearing, the EFCC called its first witness, a property developer and chairman of Efab Properties Nigeria Limited, Fabian Nwora.

Nwora told the court that in 2020, his company sold a property in Maitama, Abuja, to one Shehu Bello for N550 million.

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He later discovered that the name on the sale agreement was Dr. Bello Ohianyi.

He explained that in 2023, Shehu returned to Efab Properties, claiming the property was under EFCC investigation and requested a refund.

“The EFCC directed us to refund the N550 million to a designated account, which we did in two instalments—N400 million first, followed by N150 million,” he said.

Following his testimony, Justice Maryanne Anenih admitted the sale agreement and deed of assignment as exhibits and adjourned the trial to April 3, April 24, and May 6 for continuation.

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Earlier, the defence team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), had objected to the testimony, arguing that the prosecution failed to serve them witness statements.

However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), dismissed the objections as a delay tactic.

Despite the protests, Justice Anenih ruled that the trial must proceed.

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ECOWAS at 50: Sanwo-Olu Applauds Achievements, Urges Stronger Commitment to Integration

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By Gloria Ikibah

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ECOWAS and strengthening regional ties.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in West Africa.

Sanwo-Olu commended ECOWAS for evolving from a mere concept into a vital institution shaping the region’s future. He acknowledged the gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing integration, peace, and economic growth.

The Governor also praised the ECOWAS Parliament for its efforts in promoting regional unity, defending citizens’ rights, and tackling shared challenges.

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He said: “From a bold idea, ECOWAS has grown into a dynamic regional organisation that has shaped the destiny of West Africa.
“The ECOWAS Parliament has been instrumental in promoting free movement and trade, supporting peacekeeping missions, and electoral processes”.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the challenges facing the region, including security, economic development, and climate change, and stressed the need for collective action and shared solutions.
This is as he commended the ECOWAS Parliament for organising the seminar and urged participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, share ideas, and forge partnerships to propel the region toward a brighter future.
“Regional integration is not just a political or economic endeavour, but a moral imperative – a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of every citizen in the region.
“The journey of ECOWAS over the past 50 years has been one of resilience, innovation, and unity,” Sanwo-Olu said, emphasizing the need to recommit to the ideals of regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa”, he said
The Governor expressed confidence for the future of West Africa, and said, “if we work together, we can build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but also inclusive and equitable – a region where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
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“My wife has tasted over 21 men in the movie industry-Comedian Ijoba laments

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Nollywood actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made terrible disclosures about his troubled marriage, alleging that his wife has been unfaithful with multiple men, including powerful figures in the entertainment industry.

In a heartbreaking outburst, Lande claimed that his marriage has been in turmoil for months, with his wife allegedly engaging in extramarital affairs with at least 21 men in the industry. He further revealed that their intimacy had ceased for over eight months, fueling his suspicions.

The actor recalled a painful incident during his child’s naming ceremony when his wife’s male friend openly danced with her and even tapped her on the backside in front of guests.

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“I have evidence, but if I mention their names, I might not make it home alive because powerful men are involved,” he lamented.

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Kano Hisbah nabs Muslims for eating in public during Ramadan

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The Islamic police in Kano, Hisbah has nabbed Muslims seen eating and drinking publicly, as well as those selling food during Ramadan when Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until dusk.

According to the deputy commander of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, twenty people have now been arrested for not fasting and five others for selling food. He further stated that the operations which began on Saturday, will stretch till the end of the month.

Aminudeen also stated that “we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims” and that any “disrespect” for Ramadan would not be condoned.

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“It’s heart-breaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won’t condone that and that’s why we went out to make arrests,” he said.

The Hisbah official revealed that all 25 arrested offenders had been charged in a Sharia court and would be punished accordingly.

He further highlighted that they sometimes get tip-offs when people are seen eating.

“We do get calls from people who are enraged after seeing people eating in public and we act fast by going to the area to make arrests.”

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Last year, those arrested for not fasting were freed after promising to fast, while the relatives or guardians of some of them were summoned and ordered to monitor them to make sure they fast.

Those arrested this year were not so lucky as they will have to face the court.

Ramadan has a special significance in Islam. It is usually observed during daylight hours and lasts 29 or 30 days each year. This year, it is expected to end on Sunday 30 March.

GI’s Legal Corner
Sharia law was introduced to work alongside secular law in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states just a little more than two decades ago.

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Under the Sharia Law, fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and mentally capable. This ruling is based on Quran 2:183:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

It is also based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad:

“Whoever does not fast (in Ramadan) without a valid excuse, will not be able to compensate for it, even if he fasts for the rest of his life.”

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In Nigeria, the Sharia law ruling on fasting during Ramadan is widely observed by Muslims, particularly in the northern regions where Sharia law is more prevalent. Muslims in Nigeria are expected to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.

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