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Court denies Yahaya Bello bail

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A Federal Capital Territory High Court, on Tuesday, rejected the bail application of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing procedural irregularities in the filing of the application.

Justice Maryanne Anenih, while delivering the ruling, stated that the application was premature as it was filed before Bello was present in court or in custody.

The judge said, “Having not been filed when the first defendant was either in custody or before the court, this instant application is incompetent.

“Consequently, the application, having been filed prematurely, is hereby refused.”

Bello, alongside two others, is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged N110 billion money laundering case.

The court noted that the bail application, dated November 22, was filed before Bello’s arraignment, which took place on November 27, days after he was taken into custody on November 26.

Bello’s counsel, Jacob Daudu (SAN), urged the court to consider the application, arguing that his client, a two-term governor of Kogi State, would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail.

“The first defendant became aware of the instant charge through the public summons. He is a responsible individual and will abide by the conditions set by the court,” Daudu argued.

However, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the application was grossly incompetent, as it was filed before the arraignment, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Pinheiro emphasised that the timing rendered the application invalid, urging the court to dismiss it.

Meanwhile, the second defendant, Umar Oricha, was granted bail in the sum of N300 million with two sureties.

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The court specified that the sureties must own properties in Abuja’s Maitama district valued at no less than the bail bond and must submit the original title documents to the court.

Justice Anenih further directed that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit copies of their international passports to the court.

Oricha is to deposit his travel documents with the court and remain in custody until all bail conditions are met.

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Police reply El-Rufai, say no kidnapping gang in the force

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Kaduna State Police Command has said there is no kidnapping gang within the force.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan made this known in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

“The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El Rufai’s statement on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as Uba Sani’s ” kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police .

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-rufai

He said the former governor of Kaduna state further stated that Sani was remanded in custody by a Magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.

“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian police force.

“The Nigerian police is an institution created by the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act. These two statutes mandate the it to maintain law and order.”

According to him, in the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is suspected to have committed an offence.

“Individuals, corporate organisations and governments have the constitutional right to lodge formal complaints to the police.

“The police also have the mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence had been committed, such matter will be prosecuted or referred to court.”

Hassan urged members of the public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from frivolous and malicious allegations against any security agency.

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” We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also have the potentials of undermining the law enforcement agencies.

“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity, “Hassan stated.

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PDP: DWI Support Peter Obi’s Political Moves, Calls For Unity Among Nigerians

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The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has expressed strong support for the recent political moves by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, describing them as a significant step toward national unity and collaboration.

In a statement by the Director of Strategic Communication for DWI, Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, the group commended Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

He said Obi’s visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the esteemed leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics.

According to DWI, the visit marks a crucial moment in Nigerian politics, signaling a shift toward greater cooperation among political leaders.

Ahmed said: “We commend Peter Obi for his courageous decision to embrace the most powerful opposition party in the country, thereby positioning himself squarely within the mainstream political discourse.

“Peter Obi’s visit culminated in a respectful homage to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. This gesture not only reflects Obi’s recognition of the vital role traditional institutions play in promoting peace and unity within our communities but also underscores his commitment to engaging with all facets of Nigerian society.

“Traditional leaders have historically been instrumental in fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, and their involvement in political discussions enhances the legitimacy of efforts aimed at fostering national cohesion.

“We applaud Governor Bala Mohammed’s commendation of Peter Obi’s dedication to nation-building and inclusive leadership. Such praise is significant, as it emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among leaders from different political backgrounds.

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“It highlights a shared vision for Nigeria, one that transcends partisan divides and strives for the advancement of a prosperous and harmonious nation.”

The group echoed Governor Mohammed’s call for unity and politics without bitterness, urging all political leaders to prioritize dialogue and mutual respect in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

He added, “In this light, we urge Peter Obi to consolidate the momentum generated by this visit. By aligning himself with the PDP and engaging in meaningful discussions with its leadership, he has the opportunity to redefine his political narrative and amplify his impact on the national stage.

“Unlike former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who appears to have lost focus and is attempting to fight from the periphery, Peter Obi has the chance to be at the forefront of a transformative political movement that prioritizes unity and progress.

“Governor Bala Mohammed’s advocacy for unity and politics without bitterness is a timely reminder of the values that should guide Nigeria’s political landscape. As our nation grapples with complex challenges, the emphasis on mutual respect, tolerance, and collective responsibility is essential for creating an environment conducive to growth and development.

“Leaders must heed this call, recognizing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the capacity of its people to unite for a common purpose. Only through such unity can Nigeria hope to realize its full potential and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

“The Democracy Watch Initiative celebrates Peter Obi’s strategic engagement with Governor Bala Mohammed and the Peoples Democratic Party. We look forward to seeing how this collaboration will unfold and contribute to the greater good of Nigeria. We encourage all political leaders to embrace dialogue, foster inclusivity, and work together towards the common goal of national advancement.”

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2027: Tinubu Must Sack Wike Ijaws Group

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Ijaws for Tinubu 2027, a political group, has called for the immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike as FCT Minister over his remarks concerning the Ijaw people.

Tamuno Esiri, the group’s leader, made this demand in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday.

“The Ijaws for Tinubu 2027 demand the immediate removal of Wike if President Tinubu is determined to secure a second term, which he deserves,” Mr Esiri said.

During an interview with journalists on the political crises in Rivers, Mr Wike allegedly referred to the Ijaw people as a minority ethnic group in the Niger Delta.

Mr Esiri condemned Mr Wike’s assertion, insisting that the Ijaws are among the dominant ethnic groups in the region.

He claimed that Mr Wike’s comments if left unchecked, could harm President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.

“We believe Wike is deliberately undermining the president’s support among the Ijaw people, who constitute a majority in the Niger Delta.

“In our view, Wike’s presence in President Tinubu’s cabinet poses a threat to democracy and peace in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Mr Esiri also urged Mr Tinubu to rein in Mr Wike over his alleged involvement in escalating political crises in Rivers and his purported insults directed at respected elders and political leaders across the country.

He advised the president against believing Mr Wike could still deliver Rivers in the 2027 general elections.

“President Tinubu should note that Wike has lost the political goodwill he carried into the 2023 elections, as an overwhelming majority of Rivers people are firmly behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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“Any political interest that believes the FCT Minister can secure victory for the president in the 2027 elections in Rivers State should have a rethink,” he added.

Mr Esiri also criticised the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for allegedly proposing bills that could further destabilise the state’s political landscape.

He issued a 14-day ultimatum for the lawmakers to heed Mr Tinubu’s call for peace by allowing Mr Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

“The legislators must immediately desist from initiating self-serving and anti-River State bills, or they should prepare to be recalled by their constituents.

“If the lawmakers fail to promote peace, we will collaborate with all well-meaning groups and Rivers people who support Governor Fubara and President Tinubu to initiate their recall process.

“The Ijaws for Tinubu 2027 demand the total liberation of Rivers State,” Mr Esiri concluded.

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