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Nigeria Police, Minister bow to pressure, arraign 72-year old Journalist in court
Consequent upon pressures from Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and various groups across the country; the Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, arraigned a 72-year old Journalist, Pa. Oga Tom Uhia in Court.
Pa. push({}); Uhia, Publisher of Power Steering Magazine, has spent 30 days in secret detention, on the order of the Minister of State for Power, Jeddy Agba, over an “injurious” publication against him in July 2020.
The Police filed a 15-count charge bothering on defamation and injurious falsehood before an FCT High Court, in the Gudu District, Abuja.
Counsel to Pa. Uhia, Barrister Alex Oketa, had filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against Mr. Agba, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Anthony Ogbizi, who is said to be the uncle of the Honourable Minister, and others, before Justice Peter Affen at an FCT High Court, Maitama.
The proceeding was, however, stalled last week, due to absence of the Judge, hence, a new date of 10th November, 2020.
During the arraignment of Pa. Uhia in Gudu on Monday, his lead Counsel, Chief Paul Harris Ogbole (SAN), argued for his bail.
The bail application, was however, objected to, through oral application by the prosecuting Counsel, Barrister Danjuma O.
Ogbole argued that, the grounds being canvassed by the prosecuting Counsel are bailable. He also faulted the inability of the Prosecutors to file an objection to the bail application, 9 days after it was filed.
The learned Sage pleaded the Judge to grant Pa. Uhia bail also, on his health condition and for sake of justice.
In his ruling, Justice A.B. Mohammed granted Pa. Uhia bail to the tune of two million naira (N2m) and a level 15 officer with the federal civil or public service, as surety.
Justice Mohammed said, “the Prosecuting Counsel has not shown enough reason why the Defendant should not be granted bail”, stressing that, it was a bailable offence.
The matter was adjourned till 10th December, 2020 for hearing.
As at the time of filing this report, lawyers to Pa. Uhia were seen in court premises, trying to perfect the bail conditions, so that he could be released from the Force CID detention, Garki, Abuja, immediately.
Meanwhile, the enforcement of human rights suit filed against the Minister and the Police comes up Tuesday.
In the suit, Pa. Uhia is demanding the total of N110m for severally abusing his rights by keeping him for one month in secret detention, without trial, even after meeting bail conditions with the Police.
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Alleged N80.2billion Money Laundering: EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has declared the immediate Kogi State-ex-governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, wanted over N80.2 billion financial crimes.
EFCC wrote this on its verified social media handle on Thursday evening where the photograph of the former governor was displayed with the inscription ‘WANTED’, that “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.
adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 2 Billion. Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest Police Station.”Informavores recalls that Bello was billed for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja this Thursday, April 18, 2024.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had said Bello was to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).
Bello’s arraignment is coming on the heels of a warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Count one of the charges reads: That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.
Count 17 of the charges read: “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.
Count 18 of the charges reads: “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”.
The Commission’s attempt to execute the Warrant of Arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle. As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
The statement further said that, “It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”
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Eid-El-Fitr: ICDA North Central Coordinator Urges Muslim Faithfuls To Abide By Ramadan Lessons
The Igala Cultural And Development Association, ICDA North Central Coordinator, Prince Oruma Musa has sent a message of congratulations to Igala muslim faithfulls in the North-central as they celebrate the eid-el-fitr. push({});
Prince Oruma congratulate Igala muslims as they completed the Ramadan fasting urging them to continue to abide by the teachings during the ramadan fasting.
“The patience and perseverance exercised during ramadan fasting is a sacrifice that will be rewarded with blessings from Allah”, he said.
He further express shock over the sudden death of former governor of Kogi State, Alh Idris Wada son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris who died after eid-el prayer at his Abuja residence.
The deceased was a former member of House of Representative, represented Omala, Ankpa and Olamaboro in the 7th Assembly.
In a message conveyed by special adviser on media, Prince Abdulrahman Obaje, Prince Oruma said he is deepely saddened by the death of Muhammed.
“On behalf of myself and the good people of the Igala Kingdom, North-central Zone, I wish to express our deep condolence over the death of your son, I am deeply saddened by his death. He is a young Nigerian full of promises for the future of Nigeria”. He said.
He said the death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, urging the family he left behind to take solace in the fact that the late Muhammed live a life worthy of emulation.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah grant the dead eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaos.
He further reiterate his commitment towards the advancement of ICDA , saying that we should all intesify prayers and commitment, while all hands on deck to see that ICDA get out of its current predicament.
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Investigative Journalists Group, NGIJ Hails Aderinokun on Appointment as Head of Media at Access Corp
Investigative Journalists Group, the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists NGIJ has extended a warm congratulations to Mr. Kunle Aderinokun on his appointment as the new Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Corporation. adsbygoogle || []). push({});
In a statement released on Tuesday in Lagos signed by Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, the National President and Israel Bolaji, the National Vice President of NGIJ, the guild described Aderinokun as a versatile journalist, banker, business analyst, media expert and arts enthusiast who would bring his rich years of experience to bear on the new role.
“NGIJ recognises the appointment of Mr. Aderinokun as a significant development, as his decades of robust experience across the media and financial industry undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Access Corporation and the nation.
“His extensive knowledge, exposure, intellect and expertise in media and finance make him a well-suited candidate for this position
“The NGIJ is confident that Mr. Aderinokun’s appointment will further to the growth and success of Access Corporation. We look forward to witnessing his impactful contributions to the organisation’s media and public relations endeavours,” the statement noted.
Prior to his appointment at Access Corporation, Mr. Aderinokun held various key positions in prestigious organizations. He began his career at First Marina Trust Ltd as an MIS and Account, followed by a role as an Analyst at Wall Street Trust Company.
Subsequently, he served as a Banking Officer at United Bank for Africa Plc and later founded Pure Synergy. At ThisDay Newspaper Group, he distinguished himself as an Associate Editor and Group Business Editor, responsible for editing and writing compelling business stories and analyses.
Mr. Aderinokun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. His educational background, coupled with his extensive professional experience, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape.
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) is a professional body that promotes investigative journalism, ethical standards, and accountability in Nigeria. The guild comprises seasoned journalists who are committed to upholding the principles of integrity, fairness, and accuracy in their work.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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