Connect with us

News

FCT High Court Admits Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello To N500m Bail

Published

on

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, granted N500m bail to the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is being tried for alleged N10.4bn fraud.

The judge ordered the ex-governor to deposit his passport, ruling that he cannot travel out of the country except with the permission of the court.

Bello, alongside Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on November 27 but pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice MaryAnne Anenih had on December 10 rejected Bello’s original bail application, holding that it was premature and unprocedural, having been filed before the ex-governor was arrested or brought before the court.

The judge, however, granted bail to the co-defendants in the sum of N300m each and adjourned the matter till January.

On Thursday, however, Bello, through his lawyer, J. B. Daudu (SAN), presented a fresh bail application, which the judge heard and granted.

Justice Anenih granted the bail with three sureties in like sum.

The judge said the sureties must be responsible citizens who are landowners in Maitama, Guzape, Apo, Wuse 2, Garki, Utako or Asokoro areas of Abuja.

She ordered that the sureties must deposit the documents of the landed property with the court registrar alongside two recent passport photographs.

She also ordered Bello to deposit his passport and other travel documents, pronouncing: “The first defendant must not travel without the permission of this court and he shall remain in the Kuje correctional facility until the bail conditions are met.”

The judge ordered Bello to deposit two copies of his recent passport photograph alongside a photocopy of a means of identification which could be either his passport or national I.D card.

Earlier when the case was called, Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu (SAN) had informed the judge of the fresh bail application, adding that the prosecution and the defence had discussed and were committed to a speedy trial.

The prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan (SAN), confirmed that the prosecution and the defence had been in talks, adding that the prosecution would not oppose the bail application but leave it at the judge’s discretion.

He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the Inner Bar that is leading the defence, J.B. Daudu (SAN), that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.

“As with the legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice, we have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, Your Lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application. We are therefore leaving this to Your Lordship’s discretion.”

After listening to both counsels, Justice Anenih granted the bail application and adjourned till January 29 and 30 for trial.

News

How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

Published

on

By

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

Continue Reading

News

Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

Published

on

By

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

Published

on

By

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

Continue Reading

Trending