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Contempt: Court Grants EFCC’s Motion For Stay Of Proceedings

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Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted an ex-parte motion for a stay of proceedings filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the contempt proceedings commenced by the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The Court of Appeal also granted EFCC prayers to serve the processes in the appeal by substituted means on the former governor.

With Oyewole were Justices P. C. Obiora and Okon Abang.

The EFCC boss had been summoned by Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court to appear on May 13, 2024 to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying the orders of the court.

The EFCC, however, appealed the ruling of the trial court and sought a stay of the proceeding of the court.

The EFCC boss is accused of carrying out “some acts upon which they (the EFCC) have been restrained” by the Court on February 9, 2024, pending the determination of the substantive Originating Motion.

But the Court of Appeal yesterday gave the orders for the stay of contempt proceedings after hearing Chief J.S.Okutepa (SAN) leading Eko Ejembi Eko (SAN), Abdulkareem Musa and David Ojogbane Akogu.

The court ordered for substituted service of all the processes in the case to be pasted at No 9 Bengazi Steet Wuse Zone 4 Abuja being the last known address of Yahaya Bello.

In granting the orders, the Appeal Court held that the motion ex-parte had merit and adjourned the hearing of the Motion on Notice to May 20, 2024.

The first Motion, which was moved by Okutepa sought an ex parte order staying the execution of the Orders made Ex-parte in Motion No. HCL/190M/2024 on the 25th day of April 2024, in the case of Alhaji Yahaya Bello vs. EFCC.

The second motion was for an order to serve the respondent Yahaya Bello all the processes in the appeal by substituted means through the mode stated on the face of the motion.

Ruling in Suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and Motion No: HCL/190M/2024, Justice I. A. Jamil had ordered that “the said act was carried out by the Respondent (EFCC) in violation of the order, which was valid and subsisting when it carried out the act.

The court said the EFCC action amounted to contempt of the court.

EFCC operatives had laid siege to the residence of the former Governor on April 17, 2024 to arrest him, despite a court order restraining them from taking such action, pending the determination of the Originating Motion.

Justice Jamil’s order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Yahaya Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf in which he prayed the court for an order to issue and serve the Respondent (EFCC Chairman) with Form 49 Notice to show cause why Order of committal should not be made on Olukoyede.

Meanwhile, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has dragged Justice Jamil to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for issuing the order of contempt against the EFCC chairman.

Although HEDA dated its petition April 29th, 2024, it was acknowledged by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on May 2nd, 2024.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria is also the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The NGO, in the petition, accused Jamil for granting an order which sought to enforce “a non-existence and sundry misconduct.”

It described the action of the judge as gross abuse of his judicial powers “in a suit that not only the Kogi State High Court has become functus officio but the order sought to be enforced is non-existence at the time the ‘order to show cause’ was made.”

It added: “”We are of the view that the order to show cause granted as per Motion HCL/190M/2024 are designed to annoy, irritate, and portray the commission in bad light.

“The order to show cause was granted in a very disturbing and unnecessary circumstance. The order was granted by his Lordship in the above suit on the 25th day of April, 2024 in very questionable circumstances.

“The SUIT NO: HCL/68M/2023 BETWEEN ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO v. ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION was filed on the 8th day of February, 2024 by Alhaji Yahaya Bello (“The Applicant”) for the enforcement of his fundamental rights seeking certain declaratory orders against the Commission.

“The crux/ objective of his claim as constituted in the originating motion was for the court’s enforcement of his fundamental rights particularly by restraining the commission from inviting, detaining, arresting and/or prosecuting the Applicant. The Originating Motion is herein attached and marked as “Exhibit HEDA 1.”

The litigation is a fallout of the N80 billion money laundering case against Bello by EFCC.

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COAS Shaibu Hits Jos To Restore Peace, Public Confidence

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to lead a high-powered security assessment following recent security breaches.

The visit was aimed at strengthening public confidence and reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilize affected communities.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and entrench lasting peace across the state.

According to the statement, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in a clear demonstration of strong civil-military cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing emerging security challenges.

The statement said the COAS received a comprehensive operational briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who highlighted ongoing operations and proactive measures being implemented in synergy with other security agencies to contain threats, protect lives and property, and stabilise affected communities.

“As part of his engagements, Lieutenant General Shaibu also interacted with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by complying with the curfew and cooperating fully with ongoing operations and investigations, while going about their lawful activities.

The chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Hon. Dachung Bagos, commended the COAS for the timely visit, noting that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership would boost public confidence and reinforce trust in ongoing security efforts.

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President Tinubu Appoints New PTDF Executive, Reappoints TCN Head

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and renewed the tenure of Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as the Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, these appointments are effective immediately.

Aliyu is said to replace Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

In a statement by one of the President’s Spokespersons, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, April 02, Tinubu also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

These appointments are said to take effect immediately.

The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). He replaces Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

“President Tinubu has also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

“Both appointments take immediate effect.

“Professor Aliyu, the new PTDF helmsman, is a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator with extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership. His appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development for Nigeria’s energy industry.

“The President expects him to leverage his wealth of experience to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for the oil and gas sector in line with national priorities.

“President Tinubu renewed Engineer Abdulaziz’s appointment following a comprehensive assessment of his performance and leadership of the nation’s transmission network.

“Under his stewardship, TCN has recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation, reinforcing its critical role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

“Engr. Abdulaziz brings over three decades of experience in the power sector and has also strengthened regional electricity integration through his leadership in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

“President Tinubu urges both appointees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of national service, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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United Nigeria Airlines Staff Suspended After Viral Amputee Abuse Video

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The Management of United Nigeria Airline on Wednesday says it has suspended a female staff member for alleged unprofessional treatment of Ms. Doris Akonanya, an amputee passenger.

The airline, in a statement signed by Chibuike Uloka, its Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday, also said it had commenced investigation into the incident which happened on March 30.

Akonanya, an amputee, had lamented through a viral video that she received subhuman treatment while trying to catch a flight from Abuja to Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

She said she arrived at the airport early and bought her ticket but was denied the assurance that she needed by a particular staff member who was supposed to process her boarding.

The passenger exonerated the Airline for the dehumanising treatment but demanded that the female staff member involved should be called to order.

The airline, however, condemned the incident and expressed unreserved apology to the lady and members of her family for the ugly incident.

The company said the action did not reflect the ethics, values and vision of the company, noting that the safety, dignity, and well-being of all passengers remained their priority.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to confirm receipt of an incident report involving a passenger with reduced mobility, Ms. Doris Akonanya, during the check-in process for Flight UN0526 from Abuja to Yenagoa on March 30.

“The report includes allegations of unprofessional conduct by a particular staff regarding her condition.

“The staff member involved has been suspended and a full investigation commenced,

“We are engaging all relevant parties to establish the facts and will take appropriate action in line with our policies of zero tolerance to any form of misconduct.

“We are particular about passengers with reduced mobility who require additional care and support,” he said.

The airline said it had been in direct contact with the passenger and her family, to whom it had extended apologies, and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

It said it operated a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct, discrimination, or abuse, and is firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible travel for all.

“We will continue to strengthen our training, processes, and oversight to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

(NAN)

 

 

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