No fewer than 500 legal practitioners on Monday stormed the Supreme Court to condemn what they described as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) “illegal” approach against former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello. In a statement by its co-convener S.K Alewu, the group lamented the EFCC’s attempt to arrest the former governor despite being served a valid court order that restrains it from doing so. Alewu said not only has Bello’s fundamental rights been breached, the judiciary has also become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law.
The lawyers urged the Judicial Council of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu to call the EFCC to order to stop further abuse and disobedience of court orders. He said: “It has become pertinent again that we address well-meaning Nigerians on the current attacks on the Judiciary by the very institutions created by law to enforce and guarantee the sanctity of our judicial processes.
“As young lawyers, we envisage a judiciary where justice is not only done but also seen to be manifestly done. It is in our patriotic quest to always pursue ventures that guarantee an independent judiciary that dispenses justice without fear nor Favour that we formed this civil society of lawyers. “We are therefore perturbed that desperate politicians and corrupt elements in our polity are working very assiduously to bring the judiciary that sacrificed its all to guard its jurisdiction jealously under the military regime to public odium and opprobrium. 7 “It is more worrisome that even the very institutions that are created by law to enforce our laws have become willing tools in the hands of enemies of our rule of law and the judiciary to harangue our judges and bring the justice system to public ridicule.
“The current case between the EFCC and Gov. Yahaya is the most heinous of such instances. It is sickening that the commission will move to lay siege and even attempt to arrest the former governor of Kogi state despite being served a valid court order that restrains them from doing so and without vacating the said order.
“The events of the past few days is capable of eroding the many gains and national acclaim the commission recorded and enjoys from majority of Nigerians who sees the establishment of the commission as the greatest intervention to the endemic corruption that has rocked our public service and government institutions since the return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999. “The only succour is that the current president of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader who gave his all to sustain our democracy. The President, at a point, became a victim of political with-hunt. “We have submitted petitions to the Nigerian Judicial Council and Mr. President asking that they use their good offices to call the EFCC to order and stop any form abuse and disobedience of court orders.
Between World Bank and EFCC who pay more attention to details? Who is more professional in discharge of duties? Who upholds more of global best practices? Who do you believe on rating of Yahaya Bello government? Who is more political in their discharge of duties?
While emotions can sometimes cloud judgment, it's essential to examine the legal nuances in this situation. The discrepancy in how the EFCC handles cases like Yahaya Bello's compared to others like Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Mattawale revolves around various factors, including legal procedures and specific court orders.
In February 2024, Yahaya Bello approached a high court in Kogi state and was granted a restraining order, you do not expect him submit himself to EFCC when the restraining order is still valid. EFCC has challenged the restraining order granted to Yahaya Bello in an appeal court whose judgment is expected to be delivered on Monday 22nd April 2024 but couldn't wait hence they decided to lay siege on his residence.
In Yahaya Bello's case, the restraining order issued by a high court in Kogi state adds a layer of complexity. Bello is well within his rights to adhere to the legal injunction until the court's decision is overturned or modified. The EFCC's decision to lay siege on his residence before the appeal court's ruling raises concerns about the agency's adherence to due process.
However, the issue extends beyond Bello's case. Other individuals like Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Mattawale have also benefited from court orders restraining the EFCC from prosecuting them. The disparity in treatment raises questions about consistency and fairness within the EFCC's operations. Despite similar legal circumstances, there appears to be a discrepancy in how the agency chooses to enforce the law.
The statement by renowned senior advocate Mike Ozekhome further highlights concerns about the EFCC's efficacy and legal prowess. His assertion that he has defeated the agency in court multiple times underscores potential weaknesses in its legal strategies and enforcement procedures.
Ultimately, the EFCC's actions should be guided by a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal treatment under the legal system. Addressing inconsistencies in how cases are handled and respecting court orders are crucial steps in fostering trust and confidence in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts.
A High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from infringing on the fundamental human rights of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor.
In a two hour judgment delivered on Wednesday, at the High Court 4 and presided over by Hon. Justice I.A Jamil, in suit no HCL/68/M/2020, the court restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the Court.
This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given.
The judgment followed the suit brought before the court by Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the applicant, seeking to enforce his fundamental rights against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The Court equally restrained the respondents from continuing to persecute the Applicant.
Earlier in the judgement, the Court dismissed the issue of jurisdiction as challenged by the EFCC.
The Applicant’s Counsel SA Abbas and MS Yusuf, described the judgment as landmark while the defendant Counsel, T.U Odima and Patrick O. Jibril also aligned themselves to the judgment, describing it as thorough.
Throwback to when Yahaya Bello boldly declared his mission to rally Nigerian youths behind Bola Tinubu's bid for victory. His passionate call to action reverberated across the nation, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among the younger generation. Bello's strategic blueprint involved a multifaceted approach,
He even donated a campaign office to Tinubu, showing his dedication. Bello also took a stand against the federal government's naira note policies that seemed to work against Tinubu, showing his support in action. Through innovative youth empowerment initiatives and successful campaigns, he sought to galvanize support for Tinubu's candidacy.
Despite facing skepticism and logistical challenges, Bello's unwavering determination signaled a seismic shift in Nigerian political mobilization, inspiring hope and reshaping the landscape for generations to come.
The Kogi Collective Interest Group (KOCIG), a group of indigenes of Kogi State, has issued a statement cautioning the public against a recent protest staged at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, alleging that it was orchestrated by political jobbers and disgruntled individuals with ulterior motives.
The group, consisting of over one million members across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, emphasised its commitment to unity, progress, and holding leaders accountable at all levels.
In the statement signed by the chairman, Abdulganiyu Yusuf on Friday, KOCIG discredited the protest, describing the participants as “hungry non-Kogites” and accusing them of engaging in senseless propaganda. The group asserted that the protest was politically motivated, driven by defeated politicians attempting to resurrect baseless corruption allegations against former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Expressing concern about the potential misuse of the EFCC for personal vendettas, KOCIG urged the commission to uphold the rule of law and treat all petitions strictly on their merits, avoiding manipulation by disgruntled politicians.
“This is where the EFCC leadership must be wary of becoming an accidental tool of vendetta in the hands of politicians who are so desperate to get their evil and dark objectives achieved at all costs. The EFCC must be above board and treat all petitions strictly on their merits and not pay attention to political miscreants who are playing to the gallery,” the group stated.
The statement highlighted the infrastructural developments witnessed in Kogi State during Bello’s eight-year administration, citing achievements in education, healthcare, roads, and security.
[b]“Looking at the unprecedented infrastructural developments in Kogi State under the eight-year administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogites are forever grateful for the insight and management expertise of the former Governor. With all the legacy projects in education, healthcare, roads, security and so forth, there is nowhere left for any money to be misappropriated. It is public knowledge that an international financial institution like The World Bank gave Kogi State a clean bill of health in the areas of transparency and fiscal accountability more than once under Yahaya Bello,” [/b]the statement reads.
Addressing allegations of suppressed activities, KOCIG challenged the protesters to provide concrete proof of their claims in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“In this particular case, we will demand that these imprudent characters show proofs of their reckless allegations against Yahaya Bello to the public or a Court of competent jurisdiction. It is the sole responsibility of who alleges to show indubitable proofs of their allegations and they must be ready to prove that,” they said.
The group pledged to employ legal means to hold those making reckless allegations accountable, emphasising the negative impact of such actions on the image of Kogi State and its people.
Oluboh: Unorganised Demonstration of Shame by Achuba/ SDP: Kogites Unite Against Politically Driven Protest: Commend Bello's Developmental Achievements
In a remarkable display of unity, the people of Kogi State have joined forces to denounce the recent protest orchestrated by supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters. This collective condemnation, spearheaded by prominent figures within the state, underscores a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and fair governance.
Leading the charge is Mr. Akoji James Ogbadu, a respected lawyer and public affairs analyst. Ogbadu expressed deep dismay at what he termed an "unorganized demonstration of shame" by SDP supporters. He implored fellow Kogites to rise above divisive tactics and prioritize a fair and unbiased assessment of Alhaji Yahaya Bello's eight-year tenure as the Governor of Kogi State.
Ogbadu, who transitioned from being a vocal critic to an advocate for Governor Bello's achievements, disclosed conducting a comprehensive review of the state's projects. He was particularly impressed by the documented accomplishments in the Kogi State Projects Gazette, highlighting Bello's dedication to developmental strides.
Journalist and political commentator, Mrs. Angela Okon, echoed Ogbadu's sentiments, questioning the timing and intentions behind the protest led by Simon Achuba, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State. Okon labeled the demonstration as a strategically motivated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Alhaji Yahaya Bello. With a track record for objective analysis, Okon urged Kogites to stand united against such politically motivated spectacles.
A key aspect of this collective condemnation is the emphasis on the transparency and fairness exhibited by Governor Bello during his tenure. Both Ogbadu and Okon highlighted the availability of Kogi State's financial records online, accessible to the public, reflecting a commendable level of transparency in governance. Ogbadu commended the former Governor for being awarded for fiscal accountability and transparency, showcasing Kogi State as a leader in these aspects.
Under the rallying cry of "Kogites for Fair Governance," the citizens of Kogi State have sent a powerful message advocating for a fair and unbiased evaluation of Governor Bello's tenure. The movement seeks to foster an environment where transparency, unity, and constructive engagement prevail over divisive tactics. As the collective call for a fair assessment echoes across the state, Kogites reaffirm their commitment to the principles that will drive progress and development in the region. The commendation of Governor Yahaya Bello's transparency and developmental strides stands as a testament to the positive impact he has made on Kogi State.
In a bold move to address growing concerns over insecurity, Governor Yahaya Bello has taken decisive action, ordering the deposition of three traditional leaders in Kogi State. The leaders, accused of gross misconduct and fueling insecurity, now face the consequences of their actions.
Governor Bello, citing adherence to traditional and chieftaincy laws, rules, and regulations, announced the removal of Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council. Alhaji Koto is set to be deposed to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
Similarly, the Olu Magongo of Magongo, His Royal Highness Sam Bola Ojoa, is to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. Another deposed traditional leader is His Royal Highness Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, who is slated to move to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
Governor Bello emphasized that the deposition of Onimisi stemmed from the contentious upgrade of the title "Obobanyi of Ihima" to first-class status. He revealed that the promotion was done without consideration for an ongoing legal dispute over the title. As a result, the stool is reverted to "Obobanyi of Emani," and the present occupant remains deposed.
In addition to the depositions, the governor announced the indefinite suspension of His Royal Highness Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government Area, further underlining the gravity of the charges.
The governor's decisive actions underscore the commitment to tackling insecurity and upholding the rule of law. The depositions and suspension send a clear message that misconduct and actions exacerbating insecurity will not be tolerated, even among traditional leaders who hold influential positions in their communities.
As Kogi State navigates these changes, the people await the ripple effects of the governor's bold decisions on the overall security landscape and the restoration of stability within traditional leadership structures.
Nawao, traditional rulers should really take their hands off politics
Some of them are really behind insecurity everywhere especially in the north
Naijafever1: to procures 3 modern fire trucks, ratify projects
The Kogi State government has announced the approval of another state university, proposed to be located in the Kogi western senatorial district, attesting that the essence amongst many other things was the need to provide more educational facility for young university hopeful in the state.
This makes it the second university to be established by the Yahaya Bello administration
Making the announcement, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones hinted that the process would involve the inauguration of a 15-man implementation.
Committee, made up of Professors from all over Kogi State. He said the committee would be given the responsibility of drafting the university law, academic brief and the master plan adding that they would also be saddled with the task of recommending a suitable location and whether the university would be specialised or conventional.
The commissioner said ‘’It is expected that the committee will give its report within the next one month from the inauguration so that we can move as fast as possible as it would be the government’s desire to see the university kick off before the end of this tenure’’
Giving an instance the Commissioner narrated that during the last admission exercise at the Prince Abubakar Audu University there was a population explosion of prospective intakes as the school had over 25,000 admission seekers as against capacity intake of about 6,000 noting that even indigenes of the state were possibly deprived of admission or their intended course of study.
He recalled that one of the primary reason for the establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara was to mitigate the challenge of the state’s qualified students, not gaining admission to courses of their choices because of the fact that Kogi is regarded as a state that is educationally advantaged
According to him, Kogi West is blessed with tones of academia and highly known for education, hence putting a university in Kogi West, particularly Okun land is so apt
The Commissioner asserted that funding has been and would always be a challenge but the government decided to take the bull by the horn and make such audacious move, while he assured that the 15-man committee would be mandated to make recommendations on sources of funding for the approved institution
In his own briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Simon Bako hinted that the state Executive Council approved the procurement of 3 modern fire trucks as part of plans to ensure rapid responses and salvage any possible fire outbreak in the state.
He also noted that the Council received reports and ratified some of the ongoing projects across the state including the construction of internal roads at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, itakpe – Okene – Total road which has both reached advanced stage of completion. The council also ratified additional work for Okene Township Road and the school of Nursery and Midwifery Obangede.
Speaking also, the Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed reiterated that the state government under the leadership of Governor Bello has remained consistent in delivering on the infrastructural development pledge made to the people of the state assuring that ongoing projects would be completed in due course.
Watch video above. Senator Smart Adeyemi described Governor Yahaya Bello as a fair and just man for distributing offices fairly across all regions and tribes of Kogi. He is seen here thanking Bello for being equitable and that he’ll support his candidate. Just after losing the APC primaries in Kogi, smart began abusing Bello, accusing him of endorsing his cousin, Usman Ododo. The said cousin is not in anyway related to the Governor. Watch video above
Pls help me suggestions I’m looking for a reliable institution where I can apply for a bsc in economics and get a degree in less than 4 years. It could be local or foreign university, foreign preferably.
"Not Even Late Audu", APC's Muri Allegedly Suspended Because of Leaked Video?
There has been recent news circulating regarding the suspension of Muritala Ajaka, a prominent figure in the Kogi East All Progressives Congress and a potential candidate for the 2023 Kogi State governorship. According to reports, Ajaka was suspended by his own party, specifically the ajaka Ward 1 party executives.
The reason behind Ajaka's suspension remains unclear, but some suggest that it may be linked to a controversial video he released in which he boasted about his longstanding affiliation with the party, even predating Late Prince Audu Abubakar. In the same boastful video, Ajaka also claimed to be the most senior APC member and even brought in James Faleke as Audu's deputy in 2016. He claimed he was instrumental in making Governor Yahaya Bello secure his position in the APC.
However, these statements were not the only things that brought Ajaka under scrutiny. He was also accused of sponsoring a lawsuit against the party in a plot to suspend the party's Gubernatorial primaries. This allegation, combined with his earlier comments, may have contributed to his suspension
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello joins the queue, and casts his vote in the ongoing Governorship and State Assembly elections at his Agasa Polling Unit in Okene Local Government Area of the State this morning.
Kogi State is one of the few States of the Federation where the governorship election is not held today but at later date.
The Governor participates in the State Assembly election for Okene State Assembly Constituency.
Scores of anti-corruption organisations and constitutional lawyers in Nigeria, on Thursday, submitted a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, protesting what they described as “brazen disobedience of court orders by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa.
They alleged reckless politicisation of the Commission under his watch and his continued stay in office, in spite of a court order committing him to prison for contempt.
In a press statement by spokesperson for the over 130 CSOs, including more than 20 constitutional lawyers, Olufemi Lawson, the activists disclosed that they had also submitted a copy of the petition to the Inspector-General of Police.
They called on President Buhari to immediately suspend Bawa to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime; direct the IGP to effect his arrest in line with a court order; and commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the agency.
The activists said being anti-corruption crusaders themselves, they could not stand by while the EFCC boss allegedly makes a mess of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, noting specifically that his modus operandi in the Commission was reportedly “causing serious concerns and disgust among the top hierarchy of the Commission.”
In the petition, a copy of which was made available to the press, the activists stated, “It is on the basis of the continued perpetration of illegality in the EFCC, that we promptly alerted the Nation to it, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police to effect Bawa’s arrest and make him face justice.
“It is worrisome that weeks after we issued this ultimatum, Bawa is still walking free, continuing the perpetration of illegality that has become the identity of the EFCC.”
They listed the alleged unruly activities of the EFCC under Bawa to include “arrests without valid warrants, detention of suspects beyond the duration allowed by the courts, seizure of properties belonging to suspected persons before any such declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction, rascally handling of suspicions of financial crime that appear like witch-hunting, and brazen disobedience of court orders, among others.
“If a government agency expected to fight crime is found going about its business in a manner that mimics witch-hunt and rascality, while also being unable to deal with corruption going on within its own workforce, we fear that the Nation may slide into some real crisis of confidence in our systems,” the petition said.
The anti-corruption activists also disclosed that they had uncovered plans by the EFCC to sponsor the launch of a faceless organization, led by “discredited activists”, for the purpose of laundering Bawa’s image before the incoming administration takes charge. “At the said launch of the organization, the plan is to call on the Commission to seek the services of INTERPOL to harass perceived opponents of some political godfathers and other unpatriotic government officials,” they said.
They recalled that, upon his nomination for the position of the Commission’s chairman in 2021, several groups of Nigerians had opposed the appointment of Bawa, based on what was described as his antecedents.
According to the petition, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), in a letter dated 18th February 2021, had asked the National Assembly to reject Bawa’s nomination as EFCC chair.
In the light of the aforementioned, the anti-corruption CSOs urged President Buhari to: “Direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately effect the arrest of Abdulrasheed Bawa in compliance with a subsisting order of the court and make him face the full consequences of his actions, based on court orders that we are sure he is aware of, but has refused to act upon.
“Commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the commission.
“Immediately suspend Mr Bawa as head of the Commission to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime and purge itself of bad elements while discharging its job.
“Order an immediate overhaul of the commission and where necessary lobby the National Assembly to amend the EFCC Act to make the structure less prone to high-handedness and make the Chairmen answerable to the laws of the land.”
The ‘Bawa Must Go’ protests, which continued on Tuesday are being led by CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.
Barr. Mogbojuri Kayode of the Citizens Rights Advocacy Group (CRAG) is also leading over 20 constitutional lawyers in the protest.
Caught in the web of póor patronage, following the ongoing cash crunch in the country, some traders in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria on Saturday, rescinded their decision not to accept old naira notes as payments for their goods and services.
Our Correspondent who visited the old and new markets in Lokoja on Saturday reports that buyers were seen paying for goods, especially food items, purchased, with old N500 and N1,000 notes, side by side with the new naira notes.
DAILY POST investigation showed that the threat by the Kogi State government to arrest and prosecute anyone or business owners who reject the old naira notes yielded dividends on Saturday as some traders accepted the old N500 and N1,000 as legal tender.
Some transporters and supermarket owners were also seen accepting the old naira notes as a mode of payment.
DAILY POST recalls that the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement in Lokoja on Friday, warned that” persons and businesses” risk arrest and prosecution in the event that they reject the old naira notes.
He reminded those concerned that the Supreme Court, in its ruling, ordered that the old and new naira notes remained legal tender until December 31, 2023.
He said:” What this means is that both the old and new naira notes can be accepted for the purpose of transacting business till the end of this year.
“It is therefore unacceptable that some persons and businesses will continue to reject the use of the old naira notes, even after the court judgement validated their use.
“Rejecting the old naira notes is a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court ruling.
“Anyone who rejects the old naira notes should be reported to security and government authorities for immediate action.
” Also, banks that refuse to accept old naira deposits shall be sealed as the State Government will not accommodate financial institutions that willfully disobey court orders, moreso, the orders of the highest court in Nigeria.
“The State Government has therefore set up a high-powered Committee to ensure full adherence and compliance to the ruling of the Supreme Court.”
Meanwhile, the cash crunch that hit the country about a month ago remained as at the time of this report as many bank customers who went to their banks to withdraw money from ATMs told our correspondent that they went back home disappointed.
This warehouse economist of a man don come again. Is it bad for the NPA to have an office in London? The biggest city in the world? What if that’s a way of generating revenue for the NPA to become self reliant at the London office? How will any sane president not want his country to have an efficient ports office in one of the biggest cities in the world. Now I agree with Tinubu, Obi is just a warehouse economist and trader who couldn’t transform Anambra but wants to transform Nigeria. Bala bulu economics
Politics / Re: In 2021, World Bank Wrote To Appreciate Yahaya Bello On Return Of $4.6 Million by happiness32: 7:29am On Apr 26