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Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Finaly Arrested By EFCC over ₦80.2bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, over allegations of ₦80.2 billion fraud. Bello was taken into custody on Tuesday, November 26, after presenting himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Confirming the arrest, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said, “It is true that we have him in our custody. The operatives of the Commission arrested him.”

The EFCC declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, following charges of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.

The ex-governor reportedly arrived at the EFCC office in the company of his legal team to address the allegations. His detention marks a significant turning point in the case, as he ignored repeated invitations by the anti-graft agency for months.

Interestingly, Kogi State’s current governor, Usman Ododo, who had previously accompanied Bello to the EFCC office during an earlier visit, was absent from Tuesday’s proceedings.

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, Abuja, had issued a public summons on October 3, requiring the former governor to appear before the court to face a fresh 16-count charge brought against him and two others by the EFCC.

In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/778/24, the former governor is accused of criminal breach of trust involving the sum of N110,446,470,089, among other charges. He is charged alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu

The EFCC’s investigation centers on the alleged laundering of another ₦80.2 billion during Bello’s tenure as governor. The case has drawn public attention, given the magnitude of the allegations and Bello’s previous defiance of the Commission’s summons.

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NNPC Urges Former President Obasanjo To Come And Tour The PH Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify its operational status.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, has responded to Obasanjo’s recent remarks about the refinery.

In a recent interview with Channels Television, the former President recalled the advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), suggesting the refinery would not function optimally.

He said that after approaching the company to acquire equity in the refinery, SPDC expressed concerns about corruption impeding its operations.

Obasanjo further alleged that the NNPCL had been misleading Nigerians about the facility’s functionality, calling into question the national oil firm’s recent announcement about the re-streaming of the plant.

Responding to the claims in a statement on Thursday, January 1, 2024, Soneye respectfully invited the former President to visit the refinery, stressing the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited,” he said.

The spokesman also enjoined Obasanjo to join the NNPCL in its determination to guarantee the country’s energy security.

“We invite our esteemed former president to join us in this effort as we continue to deliver energy security for our nation and provide tangible benefits to Nigerians.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we assure him that his advice will always be welcomed and appreciated,” he stated.

The NNPCL’s scribe explained that the company didn’t carry out turnaround maintenance on the plant but embarked on a complete refinery overhaul.

“As part of this transformation, NNPC Limited has gone beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“One of our notable achievements is the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery.

“This process was not merely the Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a full-scale overhaul designed to meet world-class standards. Similarly, we are currently conducting the same comprehensive rehabilitation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery,” he added.

He further explained that the national oil company has evolved from being a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability, noting that the transition has transformed the company from a loss-making organisation to a profit-driven international energy firm.

According to him, the new NNPCL will ensure sustainable operation and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security.

“Regarding his recent comments, we would like to respectfully clarify the current state of the NNPC.

“The NNPC has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from a government corporation into a private entity—NNPC Limited.

“This transition has marked a significant shift from being a loss-making organisation to a profit-oriented global energy company.

“We deeply respect and hold President Obasanjo in the highest regard as a distinguished statesman who has contributed significantly to the progress of our nation.

“He has every right to share his perspectives on national issues, and we value his insights and counsel.

“We remain grateful for his leadership and enduring commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our great nation,” Soneye stated.

He also reacted to media reports suggesting that the NNPCL would stop the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery, saying “No need to respond to falsehood.

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Tinubu Named third Most Corupt Leader In The World

pro-Tinubu group

According to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader globally. Tinubu, who became Nigeria’s president in 2023, was named among the top five finalists for the OCCRP’s 2024 Corrupt Person of the Year list, published on Monday, December 30.

The list, determined by over 55,000 votes from readers, journalists, and members of OCCRP’s global network, also featured Kenyan President William Ruto, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Indian businessman Gautam Adani.

Ruto emerged as the most-voted nominee, followed closely by Widodo.

“We asked for nominations from readers, journalists, the Person of the Year judges and others in the OCCRP global network,” stated the OCCRP.

“These finalists represent the most corrupt figures in 2024.”

Tinubu’s presidency has been fraught with controversies over his wealth, which critics argue remains unexplained.

Allegations of drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice have persisted, tarnishing his administration.

In May 2023, it was revealed that his son, Seyi Tinubu, owned a $10.8 million London mansion previously linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who allegedly acquired the property with crime proceeds.

Similar properties in the United Kingdom have also been linked to the Tinubu family. The year 2024 saw nationwide protests against Tinubu’s administration, sparked by policies critics labelled as “anti-people.”

Demonstrators decried worsening hunger, poverty, and governance failures. The most notable protests, the #EndBadGovernance movement from August 1 to 10, saw mass arrests, including more than 20 children.

Detained protesters faced treason charges, prompting widespread media and social media outcry that eventually secured their release.

Critics argue that Nigeria has suffered significant declines in economic stability, security, leadership integrity, and human rights under Tinubu’s leadership.

OCCRP’s recognition of Tinubu as one of the world’s most corrupt leaders underscores mounting concerns over his administration’s transparency and accountability.

As protests and criticisms continue, questions about Tinubu’s legacy and Nigeria’s future remain unresolved.

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Governors in heated meeting With Presidency Over Tax Reforms

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) convened a late-night meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10. The meeting ended without a communiqué, fuelling speculation about the contentious tax reform bills at the heart of their discussions.

The meeting, which commenced at 10 p.m. and lasted just an hour, was attended by 15 governors, primarily from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, representing the Labour Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, were also present.

Sources disclosed that the governors failed to reach a consensus on the tax reform bills President Bola Tinubu recently presented to the National Assembly.

The reforms have drawn sharp criticism, with 19 northern governors rejecting key provisions and urging withdrawal. The National Economic Council (NEC) also reportedly dismissed the proposed legislation.

“The bills are flawed and fail to address the realities in many states,” a northern governor reportedly remarked.

The NGF’s silence following the meeting has further heightened public interest. Deviating from tradition, the governors refrained from issuing a post-meeting statement or briefing journalists.

This development has sparked concerns about potential divisions within the NGF, as the governors grapple with the polarising tax proposals. Observers note that the absence of an official communiqué suggests deep-seated disagreements.

As Nigerians await clarity on the fate of the tax reforms, the meeting’s abrupt conclusion underscores the growing tension over Tinubu’s economic policies. Whether the governors will resolve remains to be seen.

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