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Alleged N89.2b money laundering: EFCC threatens inviting army to arrest Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) Thursday, informed Justice Emeka Nwite its intension to invite the Nigerian Army to effect the arrest of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The anti-graft agency, through its legal team issued the threat before the court after explaining how a person of immunity protected Bello from arrest following the court’s bench warrant.

The court had fixed today(Thursday) for arraignment of Bello alongside the ex-governor’s nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88.

When the called up, Thursday, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Piniero SAN said in open court that the Commission was aware that Bello is been harboured in the home of a person that has immunity.

He submitted that immunity is only attached to a person, not his house or car, adding that the law allows Nigerian security agencies to break into a house to arrest a defendant.
He said,

“If he is unwilling to produce his client in court, we will invite other security agencies including the Nigerian army to produce him.

“We can come next week. We will produce him,” Piniero assured.

Piniero also urged the court to compel the ex-governor’s lawyer to accept service of the processes, explaining that it has been impossible to serve the charge sheet on him personally.

Counsel to Yahaya, Abdul Wahab Mohammed, said that the Abuja division of the court or the EFCC cannot arraign his client.

He contended that his preliminary objection application has to be taken first, but the EFCC came behind him through a motion-exparte to obtain a warrant of arrest.

He said,
“The governor has a lawyer in court and if there is a justifiable issue for him to come to court, he would.

“Our contention is that the defendant on record is not a fugitive. We are talking of rule of law, not rule of force.

“We are contending that the warrant of arrest was given outside jurisdiction because there is a judgement.

“I don’t have the authority of the defendant to accept service of the charges and proof of evidence.”
What the judge said

The judge said he was yet to read the Kogi state high court judgement of yesterday.

But the judge held all parties including the ex-governor has to be formally before the court and the EFCC, without a warrant of arrest, can arrest a suspect or defendant.

He adjourned to April 23 for ruling and arraignment.

In the charge sheet, the anti-graft agency claims the defendants diverted public funds.

Some of the counts reads:

“That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.

“That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

“That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”.

Bello’s arraignment followed an warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by Justice Emeka Nwite, Wednesday, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 and filed by the EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo.

The EFCC counsel argued that the ex-governor needs to be apprehended by security agencies so as to fast track his arraignment in court and immediate trial.
The anti-graft agency maintained that the judge should either order Bello’s arrest or issue a public summons commanding the defendant to appear before the court.

04/18/2024
AGF faults Gov Ododo, asks Yahaya Bello to submit self for probe

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to follow the path of decency and submit himself for probe.

Bello is being wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corrupt practices while in office as governor of Kogi State.

In the last 24 hours, there have been dramas and hide and seek game between both parties over the move to arrest the former governor for arraignment this Thursday.

Reacting to the development, the AGF, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, said EFCC is empowered by law to invite any Nigerian for interrogation.

He also described the action of the incumbent governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, who used his immunity to prevent Bello’s arrest on Wednesday as ‘disquieting’,.

According to the Minister, embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put Nigeria in bad light before the rest of the world is not the way to go.

He reiterated his stands for the rule of law and will ensure no right of any Nigerian is trampled upon.

The AGF said in the terse statement: “The bizarre drama confronting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty has come to my notice (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) as a matter of very grave concern.

“It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status. Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.

“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting. A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.

“I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently. Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.

“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.”

04/18/2024
Alleged Rape: Centre calls Tinubu to intervene over Egbaji’s release from Benin Republic prison

By Daniel Okejeme

A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has called on
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who is languishing in Benin Republic.

Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen from Cross River state, was falsely accused of rape by Pede Victoire, a citizen of the Republic of Benin.

Victoir claimed that he had raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old.

However, it is important to note that this claim was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.

The Centre, in collaboration with a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, revealed that Benjamin Egbaji who was arrested May last year has been languishing behind bar without trial ever since then, even after Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.

As a hypertensive patient, his blood pressure has shot up to 254/136, prompting the medical director in Central National Hospital Universitare Hubert K. Maga to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within a fortnight, something more tragic might happen to his patient.

Due to lack of intervention from the Nigeria government, all attempts to secure bail for Benjamin Egbaji have hit the bricks.

Although the Head of Nigerian Consular, Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the pastor where he is been held in custody and has sent a note verbal to the Nigerian government to authorize them to engage with the government of Benin to secure his immediate release, but the
requisite response is yet to be activated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Consequently, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, urgently calls for immediate action to ensure justice is served and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji is released from unjust and harrowing detention in the Republic of Benin.

The group is appealing to the Nigerian government, in the strongest possible terms, to utilize all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is crucial for the government to recognize the urgency of this matter and take swift action to prevent further violation of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom.

“We demand an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations made against Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. The lack of evidence, coupled with Sarah’s own account refuting the claims, clearly demonstrates that the allegations are false and baseless. An impartial investigation will ensure that justice prevails and the truth is revealed.

“We urgently request that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay. His deteriorating health condition, particularly as a hypertensive patient with a dangerously high blood pressure reading, necessitates immediate diagnosis
and appropriate treatment. Failure to do so within the next fourteen days could lead to tragic consequences.

“We sincerely hope that our plea for urgent intervention will be met with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, ensuring that justice is not delayed, and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji’s rights and well-being are restored”.

04/18/2024
Reps Shifts Resumption Date To April 30

The House of Representatives has announced a further postponement of its resumption from the ongoing recess, setting the new date for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

This decision was disclosed through a statement released to the press in Abuja on Wednesday night by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., the House Spokesman and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

According to the statement, “this adjustment, as communicated by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, in an internal correspondence to Honourable Members on Wednesday, is aimed at giving Honourable Members more time for constituency outreach to secure adequate input in the constitution review process.

“The extension follows the earlier decision by the House Committee on Constitution Review to extend the deadline for submission of memoranda to April 30, 2024.

“Additionally, the extended timeline will allow for more concerted preparation for the legislative summits on State Police, as well as the one on Tax Reforms, Revenue Enhancement, and Digital Transformation coming up in the next 2 weeks.

“All inconveniences arising from this rescheduling are regretted. In line with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th Assembly, the House remains committed to being accountable and providing timely communications to all stakeholders.”

04/18/2024
BREAKING: PDP Caucus Extends Damagum’s Tenure As Acting Chair

The National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the tenure of the acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, but still in acting capacity.

However, this is subject to the decision taken at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which will kick off hours from now.

Addressing journalists after the Caucus meeting at Bauchi Governors lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the decision was aimed at ensuring reconciliation and unity in the party.

He said, “Umar Damagum will continue to be the acting National Chairman of the party until the next meeting of NEC. The party considers that it is important to have more consultation on that issue.”

“NEC meeting will not discuss any change in leaders. Rather, attention is focused on unity and reconciliation. Caucus agreed that all congresses in the states and local government should be concluded between June and August this year. Caucus agreed on the extension of the constitution review committee of the party to accept new recommendations.”

Before the caucus meeting, the National Working Committee of the party had passed a vote of confidence on Damagum.

But the North Central zone had insisted that one of their own should be allowed to complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

At a meeting at the Grand Ibro Hotel in Abuja on Wednesday, the North Central asked Damagum to revert to the position of Deputy National Chairman North, the position he was holding before his elevation as Acting National Chairman.

The region is insisting on Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution which provides that “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the office of the Party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure”.

Before the Caucus meeting, Governors elected on the platform of the PDP had declared that only the NEC could decide the fate of Damagum.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, both attended the caucus meeting.

It was the first time that the duo were publicly seen together since the 2023 elections which worsened the PDP crisis as Wike worked for President Bola Tinubu, Atiku’s main rival in the election.

04/18/2024
CBN Reduces Banks’ Loan-To-Deposit Ratio To 50%

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced the Loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) of banks to 50 per cent from 65 per cent.

The apex bank made this known in a circular to Deposit Money Banks titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Real Sector of the Nigerian Economy”.

The circular was signed by the Acting Director of the Banking Supervision Department, CBN, Adetona Adedeji.

In a bid to increase lending to the economy especially Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, retail mortgage and consumer loans, the CBN on July 3, 2019, increased Banks’ LDR to 60 per cent from 57 per cent.

The LDR was further raised to 65 per cent in January 20020.

The reduction in the LDR according to analysts at Afrinvest Securities is to allow banks to comply with the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR of 45 per cent.

They said, “Today, the CBN in a circular to Deposit Money Banks titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Real Sector of the Nigerian Economy” announced a scale down of the Loans to Deposits Rate (LDR) by 15.0ppts to 50.0% – reversing previous threshold set by the past CBN administration in January 2020.

“In our view, this downward review of LDR allows banks to comply with the 45.0% CRR directive, and eases off pressure on the lenders considering the restrictive nature of other CBN directives including the Net Open Position (NOP) ceiling of 20.0% short and 0.0% long. Thus, we believe this policy would enhance the ability of banks to sweat out assets without creating unnecessary risks.”

04/17/2024
President Tinubu Directs Inclusion Of NOUN Graduates In NYSC Scheme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Federal Ministry of Education to develop guidelines for including graduates of the National Open University (NOUN) in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

This directive was given during the university’s 13th convocation ceremony, held at the University’s Convocation Arena in Jabi, Abuja.

Represented by Biodun Saliu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the President expressed his administration’s commitment to addressing educational inclusivity.

“With the changing demographics of our great nation, the government has recognized the importance of allowing NOUN graduates to participate in the NYSC scheme,” President Tinubu stated, emphasizing the need to harness the potential of young Nigerians from all educational backgrounds.

In a related development, President Tinubu also announced the resolution of the long-standing issue concerning the admittance of NOUN law graduates to the country’s law schools. “The doors of the Law School are now open to the graduates, ensuring equal opportunities for all,” he declared.

This move is expected to remove any remaining barriers faced by NOUN graduates in legal education, further cementing the government’s stance on educational equality.

04/17/2024
Bobrisky Transferred To Another Prison

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) has reportedly transferred embattled cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, from the Ikoyi Correctional Center to the Kirikiri Prison.

Recall that Bobrisky, a controversial figure, was sentenced last week to a six-month jail term for abusing the Naira.

A reliable source, an official of the NCS, told LEADERSHIP that the popular cross-dresser is presently held at the Kirikiri Prison and was discreetly transferred last weekend to Kirikiri.

He stated, “It is procedural that he is moved to Kirikiri since it is an expansive prison compared to what we have here,” adding that due to security reasons, Okuneye was quietly moved to the facility where he will serve his term.

The source confirmed that the convict had been taken to the male cell with other inmates “and so he will be treated as a normal inmate,” he said.

While sentencing Bobrisky on Friday, April 12, 2024, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos State said the verdict would serve as a deterrent to others who are fond of abusing and mutilating the naira.

Bobrisky is being identified as a male based on his admission at the court last week, and according to reports, there is no realignment of gender or genital organs.

04/17/2024
IPOB: Kanu to know fate on fresh bail, house arrest requests, May 20

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu will on May 20, knows his fate in his request for restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to house arrest.

Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 in a motion argued by Ejimakor requested the court to restore the bail granted him in 2017 by the same Judge.

The embattled Kanu, had though his Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, told the court that contrary to the claim of the Federal Government, he did not jump bail or breach any of the conditions of the bail but had to escape out of the country when the military allegedly invaded his house.

He insisted that he would have been killed if he had not escaped the way he did and accused the FG of misleading the court to get the bail revoked in his absence.

He also asked the court to set aside the arrest warrant issued against him by the court while he was out of the country.

In a separate motion, also argued by his legal team, Kanu demanded his removal from the custody of the DSS to a house arrest or in the alternative, to remand him in prison.

Besides, he asked that his lawyers must be allowed unhindered access to him to enable him prepare for his defense in the terrorism charges against him, adding that, untill those conditions are met by the Federal Government in line with Section 36 of the 1999 constitution, he would not submit himself for trial.

However, counsel to the FG led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, vehemently opposed granting of all the requests made by Kanu.

He submitted that, in a criminal matter, no defendant has right to dictate to court how his prosecution would be conducted.

Awomolo told the court that Kanu was once admitted to bail but breeched the bail by escaping out of the country under false claims.

He argued that the fresh request for bail by Kanu is a gross abuse of court process, having been rejected earlier by the same court, adding that the only option available to the defendant is to go to the court of Appeal to challenge the rejection since the High Court cannot over rule itself.

On the request for removal from DSS custody, Awomolo said that, the only safe and secured environment for Kanu remains the DSS custody in the interest of safety of his life.

He urged the court to dismiss the allegation of hindered access to lawyers by Kanu, adding that, in his application and the supporting affidavit, he, Kanu failed to name any DSS operative hindering lawyers from accessing him or eavesdropping during conversation with lawyers.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, a House of Representatives members, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere praised the legal team of Kanu for standing to get fair trial for their client adding that, under the present circumstances, there would be no opportunity for Kanu to get better deal when his hands and legs are tied in the custody of the DSS.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to end the trial logjam by ensuring out of court settlement for general peace to reign in the country.

After taking arguments from both parties, Justice Binta Nyako fixed May 20 for ruling .

04/17/2024
Call EFCC to order —Yahaya Bello urges Tinubu

The media office of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has urged President Bola Tinubu, to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to order.

The media office made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The statement read, “About 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest.

“This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

“The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

“Furthermore, Judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja.

“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

“We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.

“Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.
We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.

“It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders.
This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.

04/17/2024