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Court denies Yahaya Bello bail
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
Aformer senator, Nicholas Tofowomo, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside for an impartial investigation into sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Mr Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South at the ninth National Assembly, told journalists on Friday in Okitipupa that Mr Akpabio “cannot preside over his case.”
“The allegation of sexual harassment is a serious one, either true or false; it behoves Akpabio to step aside for impartial investigation and let his deputy preside over legislative matters pending the decision of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” Mr Tofowomo said.
He added, “Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken the case to the United Nations, and we should not make ourselves and our country a laughing stock among the comity of nations over this matter but do the right thing as distinguished members.”
The Senate suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective March 6, over a sexual harassment allegation against the Senate president and a standoff with him over seating arrangements during plenary.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had also petitioned the Senate, which rejected her claims.
However, Mr Tofowomo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, who said his view was not based on political affiliation, noted that “the National Assembly should be a place where laws are obeyed and not flouted.”
According to him, the National Assembly makes and implements laws which must be obeyed.
“Suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan was wrong in its entirety; if the Senate said she violated its standing rules, is there anywhere she have been warned? No, so why the sudden suspension?
“Women are supposed to be treated with a lot of courtesy and respect. Yes, there may be a serious allegation, but the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions should investigate the matter in order to exonerate Akpabio,” Tofowomo said.
The former senator maintained that what was distinguished on senators was their ability to obey and respect the laws and do the needful at all times.
He added that out of the 109 senators, only Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, told Mr Akpabio the bitter truth over Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan matter.
The PDP chieftain, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the matter, noting that the matter has been taken to the United Nations and could have a bad image on Nigeria if not treated with the utmost caution.
On Thursday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in the Senate president over the matter.