EVENTS

Alleged N80.2b Money Laundering: Court Fixes Yahaya Bello’s Arraignment for December 13

Published

4 months ago

November 29, 2024

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has slated the arraignment of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello for December 13, 2024.

Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, November 29, 2024 directed the court’s Registrar to issue a hearing notice to Bello’s legal team regarding his arraignment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , is prosecuting Bello on 19-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Addressing the court about the former governor’s presence in court, prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to proceed with the arraignment, stating that the defendant’s presence satisfied the legal requirement for the process.

“In view of his physical presence in court and relying on Sections 271-277 and Section 392 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), I respectfully apply that the charge be read to the defendant, his plea be taken, and my lordship adjourn for further proceedings,” he said. He referenced two Court of Appeal rulings, dated August 20, 2024, which upheld a defendant’s presence in court as satisfactory enough for his arraignment
and further buttressed his position with the fact that Bello had failed to appear in court on several occasions, prompting an application for his trial in absentia.

Bello in his response, informed the court that he had not mobilized his legal team on the arraignment and pleaded for time to do so.

Justice Nwite, in a short ruling, adjourned to December 13, 2024 to enable the prosecution to serve the defendant’s counsel with the necessary processes.

In addition, the court directed the registrar to issue a hearing notice to Bello’s legal team and ordered that the former governor be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

EVENTS

Jennifer Awele Remembers Late Husband, Jnr Pope, on the First Anniversary of His Passing

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50 minutes ago

April 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Jennifer Awele, the widow of Nollywood actor Jnr Pope Odonwodo, has shared a poignant tribute to her late husband on the first anniversary of his passing.

Accompanied by a family photo, the emotional post is a testament to the enduring love and cherished memories she holds of her beloved husband. The couple, who married in 2014, had three sons together: Jason, Jaden, and Jamon.

Jnr Pope’s untimely death in a boat accident on April 10, 2024, sent shockwaves through the Nollywood community and left his family and loved ones devastated, just weeks shy of his 40th birthday.

Photo source: Instagram

EVENTS

Billionaire Femi Otedola Pays Tribute to Aliko Dangote on His 68th Birthday

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1 hour ago

April 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Billionaire entrepreneur Femi Otedola has taken to social media to mark a significant milestone in the life of his longtime friend and fellow business magnate, Aliko Dangote.

As Dangote celebrates his 68th birthday, Otedola has shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, extolling his friend’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the African continent.

Photo source: gistmania/ Instagram

EVENTS

Lagos GAC welcomes 2023 PDP guber candidate, Jandor to APC

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5 hours ago

April 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has officially welcomed Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, populalrly known as Jandor, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ekwutosblog recalls that Adediran, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate for PDP, defected to APC in March this year.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, on Thursday in Lagos, Adediran expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received from GAC members, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

“In a significant show of unity and goodwill, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, Jandor, was warmly received by the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Badagry Division Apex Leader of APC and fellow GAC member, Chief Rabiu Oluwa; Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon; and Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro,” he said.

According to Adediran, the reception took place in Saudi Arabia.

“The meeting, which was held during the Umrah pilgrimage, served as a symbolic moment of engagement between key stakeholders in Lagos politics, emphasising the importance of unity.

“This encounter reflects a shared commitment to the progress and unity of Lagos State, underscoring the enduring values of collective responsibility and synergy in the furtherance of the vision of the ruling party,” Adediran added.