News
Court adjourns arraignment until Oct. 30 as Yahaya Bello heads to Supreme Court
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, adjourned the arraignment of former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi until Oct. 30.
The adjournment by Justice Emeka Nwite came as ex-Gov. Bello moved to the Supreme Court to file an appeal seeking to set aside the arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17 against him.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello.
Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Bello’s Counsel, A.M. Adoyi, drew the attention of the court to the fact that the issue of arraignment of the defendant was the subject matter of an appeal already entered by him at the Supreme Court.
He said he would like to draw the court’s attention to the appeal by virtue of the affidavit of record filed on Sept. 23.
“The appeal number is SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024.
“That means the most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court in the aforesaid appeal before taking any step for arraignment so as not to render the appellant’s appeal null or to pull the rug out of the feet of the Supreme Court,” he said.
But EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that the defendant’s lawyers were turning the court into a place for entertainment.
“Secondly, an appeal the defendant filed at the Court of Appeal disputing the mode of service of the charge and proof of evidence on their counsel was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on the 28th of August this year.
“The Court of Appeal said the mode of service was good and proper service. The court ruled that the appellant shall not take any further step until he submits himself. But they took another step,” he said.
NAN reports that the former governor had, on Sept. 18, submitted himself to the EFCC accompanied by Gov. Usman Ododo, his successor, but the EFCC reportedly refused to interrogate or detain him.
It was later reported that EFCC operatives allegedly laid siege on the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja to arrest Bello at night.
Arguing against the defendant’s applications seeking an order vacating the arrest warrant, Pinheiro said, “They have three applications on this – two before your lordship and one before the Supreme Court.
“I will now urge your lordship to demonstrate audacity of coercive power on him (Adoyi) for filing same application.”
Adoyi, however, argued that the life issue of the matter slated for today (Wednesday), which was the arraignment, “is subject to an appeal by the defendant at the Supreme Court.”
“In the interest of justice, we should await the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue,” he urged the court.
Justice Emeka Nwite said, with the submissions made by the counsel, he would have to decide the issues raised in one way or the other.
He said he would have to adjourn to rule on the matter.
Justice Nwite, therefore, adjourned the matter until Oct. 30 for ruling and arraignment.(NAN
“On Adapting to Change; Exploring Challenges , and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year. ”
By Our Reporter
Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Saturday 13th, April, 2025 held a workshop on Adapting to Change: Exploring Challenging and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year.
The workshop which is a follow up to the Retreat held July 2024 aimed at re – appraising what the Authority has been able to achieve within the past year, where the Authority is now and where it will be in the next one year.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Hon Oyetunde Ojo in his opening remarks and Programme Overview, noted that the programme was designed to be in – house to enable staff speak to themselves frankly and practically out of everyday work experience.
He noted that getting external facilitators to re – appraise the Authority over the past one year may not yield the desired result.
He therefore called on all participants to be free to ask any questions and make contributions they feel would be useful in advancing the cause of the Authority.
Hon Ojo used the opportunity to list out some of the achievements and improvements the current Executive Management have been able to achieve in their stay in office.
Such achievements as digitalization of the Authority , improved internet services within the office, linking the Zonal offices for live time interaction.
The Managing Director also noted that his management has been able to give permanent appointments to adhoc staff who have worked and contributed to the growth of FHA as well as physically challenged persons that served in the Authority.
On welfare, the Chief Executive officer said that conducive working environment have been provided for staff. He pointed out the conversion of the newly built MD/CEO’s office complex to offices for staff, the renovation of offices and provision of working tools for staff.
Hon Ojo used the medium to implore members of the public to refrain from attacking and assaulting staff of the Authority or any FHA subsidiary while carrying out their lawful duties.
In his words, he said, …” I will rather resign if I don’t get justice for any of my assaulted staff”.
On the Authority’s current financial stability, he stated that management found It most repugnant that the Authority has been grossly short changed in the statutory fees it charged. According to him,” the EMC found it ridiculous that contactors dictate what happened in the Authority.
“My management refused this and after due deliberations and consultations decided to adequately place our charges to where is currently. ”
The Managing Director noted that revenue does not come to meet you, rather you go out to meet revenue. Consequently, he said that was what has made him to lead revenue drive and enforcements to enable management to meet her finacial obligations.
The increase in the revenue base he said results in regular payment of salaries, quick implementation of the minimum wage, quick payment of all remunerations.
These are factors he said are motivators of staff for effectiveness and excellence.
Hon Ojo also pointed out that for the first time in many years, FHA under him participated on the Federal Civil Service games, and will continue to participate. He also announced that FHA football team has registered for the 2025 Abuja Amateur league.
The Managing Director also announced that the Authority has lined some projects for commissioning. Some of such projects are the 59 shops Gwarinpa Shopping Mall, 100 units of houses in FHA Estate Ajoda, Ibadan, Oyo State as well as the Lugbe Shopping complex.
He also said that the contractors in Bwari project site Abuja have been paid, and that the Authority is in the process of sand filling and reclaiming its land in Festac Town Lagos.
Finally, the Managing Director announced that the Authority’s Research and Innovation department has become functional and would among other things carry out integrity test for FHA and clients from outside.
The 3 day Workshop drew participants and speakers from Federal Housing Authority and the subsidiaries; FHA Mortgage Bank Ltd and FHA Energy Department.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and heartfelt wishes, Jaba Local Government came alive as Honourable Mustapha and Sister Fatima celebrated their union today in a wedding that will be remembered forever.
The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities and dignitaries and prominent figures within and outside Kaduna State, who gathered not only to honour the couple but also to offer guidance, blessings, and sincere prayers for a successful marriage.
Speaking through the Jaba LGA Council Speaker, Hon. Dogo Zachariah, the Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, expressed her deepest gratitude for being part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Hon. Laria congratulated the newlyweds couple and encouraged them to embrace unity, love, and mutual respect in their marriage. She urged the couple to always see themselves as one and remain committed to understanding each other no matter the challenges they may encounter.
Hon. Laria warned the couple against allowing external influences or rumours to interfere in their relationship. “As a married couple, it’s crucial to cultivate trust and open communication,” Hon. Laria advised. “Never allow outsiders to sow discord or bring confusion into your home.”
She further appealed to the general public to avoid meddling in private marital affairs, reminding them that interfering negatively can damage the foundation of any union.
During the event, Professor Yasuf Joe Gandu, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Bingham University, Nasarawa State, also shared his thoughts. Prof. Gandu encouraged the couple to remain patient, tolerant, and supportive of one another. “You’ll never find a perfect husband or a perfect wife,” he said. “But through patience, love, and mutual understanding, couples can build a strong, everlasting relationship.”
The ceremony was further enriched with royal blessings, delivered on behalf of the Kpop Ham, HRH. Danladi Gyet Maude, through the District Head of Fada, His Royal Highness M.D Shehu, also known as the Tafidan Jaba.
HRH. Shehu extended his heartfelt prayers and blessings to Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima, wishing them a life filled with peace, love, and unity. He urged them to always strive for harmony and be each other’s support system through all phases of life.
The Royal Father also prayed for safe journey for all attendees, blessing them with journey mercies as they returned to their homes.
Lastly the newlyweds couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima filled with emotion and gratitude, expressed their appreciation to everyone who had supported them during their journey to marriage. Surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt wishes, Hon. Mustapha addressed the gathering with humility and thankfulness.
“We are truly blessed to have so many loved ones standing with us today,” he said. “Your prayers, love, and sacrifices mean the world to us. To those who travelled long distances, may your journey back be safe and peaceful.”
Sister Fatima, radiating grace and joy, echoed with heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and well-wishers who made the day so special.
In a touching moment, the couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima directed particular appreciation toward Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for her extraordinary support and genuine kindness throughout their weeding preparations and on the wedding day itself. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude,” Hon. Mustapha said.
“May God reward you abundantly for your generosity, warmth, and encouragement. Your presence, support and prayers have added great meaning to our union, thank you so much Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.”Hon. Mustapha added.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.