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Alleged N29bn fraud: Ex-Gov Nyako, son, others to know fate July 19

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The Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed July 19 to either rule on a no-case-submission filed by former Adamawa governor,  Murtala Nyako, his son and three others, or deliver judgment in the case.

Justice Okon Abang fixed the date after counsel concluded arguments on the no-case-submission filed by the defendants.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to Mr Nyako, Ibrahim Isiaku, (SAN) told the court that all the cases cited by the prosecution in support of it’s case were irrelevant.

According to Mr Isiaka, who said he was holding the brief of Mr Kanu Agabi, SAN, for a charge relating to money laundering to succeed, it must be proved that the money laundered is a subject of an illegal act.

He, however, held that there was no such evidence provided by the prosecution to support it’s claim in his client’s case.

He prayed the court to uphold the no-case-submission and dismiss the case.

Counsel to the 3rd defendant, T.A Rapu told the court that in Metuh’s case, though the Court of Appeal set aside judgment of the trial court, the judgment set aside, was not on the determination of facts and evaluation of evidence.

“That being the case, it is distinguishable between our case and Metuh’s case as the money from the National Security Adviser’s office was received and spent in Metuh’s case.

She, however, held that in her client’s case, the monies from Adamawa government to him were his salaries when he worked with the state government.

“Even when they were wrongly sent to his account, which was after he resigned, he refunded the money not once, which can be seen in the evidence tendered through PW 15, the Accountant-General of Adamawa.

“After he returned the money, he wrote a letter reminding the government that he had resigned from office and didn’t deserve the salary.”

The lawyer urged the court to uphold the no-case-submission filed by her client.

Responding, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,, EFCC, told the court that in the Metuh case, the person who committed the predicate offence, Sambo Dasuki was not standing trial with Metuh.

“In this case, the persons that committed the predicate offence and the money laundering offence are all before the court.”

Mr Atolagbe urged the court to discountenance the no-case-submission and order the defendants to open their defence.

Justice Okon Abang directed counsel to submit copies of fresh authorities cited in support of their case.

He adjourned the matter until July 19 for ruling on the no-case-submission or for judgment in the substantive case adding that it was subject to the availability of judicial time.

The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor and his son, Abdul-Aziz; two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, over money laundering offences.

Other defendants are Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd.

The EFCC had arraigned them on a 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering.

The trial began in 2015 and the anti-graft agency called 21 witnesses to establish its case against the defendants.

NAN

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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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