News
Alleged 110bn fraud: Court remands Yahaya Bello in Kuje prison pending bail
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Tuesday remanded the former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
Justice Maryann Anenih also adjourned the case until Jan. 29, Feb. 25, and Feb. 27, 202,5 for the continuation of the hearing.
Justice Anenih had refused to grant a bail application filed by Bello, saying it was filed prematurely.
The former governor is standing trial, along with two others, in an alleged N110bn money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge also admitted Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, to bail in the sum of N300million each with two sureties.
Justice Anenih, while delivering a ruling said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent.
“Consequently, the instant application having been filed prematurely is hereby refused,” she said.
Recalling the arguments before the court on the bail application, the judge had said, “before the court is a motion on notice, dated and filed on Nov. 22.
“The 1st Defendant seeks an order of this honourable court admitting him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the charge.
“That he became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. That he is a two-term governor of Kogi State. That if released on bail, he would not interfere with the witnesses and not jump bail.”
She said the Defendant’s Counsel, JB Daudu, SAN, had told the court that he had submitted sufficient facts to grant the bail.
He urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously to grant the bail.
Opposing the bail application, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the instant application was grossly incompetent, having been filed before arraignment.
He said it ought to be filed after arraignment but the 1st Defendant’s Counsel disagreed, saying there was no authority
“that says that an application can only be filed when it is ripe for hearing.”
Justice Anenih held that the instant application for bail showed that it was filed several days after the 1st defendant was taken into custody.”
Citing the ACJA , the judge said the provision provided that an application for bail could be made when a defendant had been arrested, detained, arraigned or brought before the court.
Bello had filed an application for his bail on Nov. 22 but was taken into custody on Nov. 26 and arraigned on Nov. 27. (NAN)
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.