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Court to hear Okorocha’s bail application on Tuesday

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Alleged N2.9bn fraud: Court discharges Okorocha, others

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Tuesday to hear the bail application filed by Sen. Rochas Okorocha.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel for Okorocha, Okey Amaechi, SAN, told the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client, following his non-guilty plea.

The senator’s bail request is expected to be taken alongside his co-defendant, Anyim Nyerere Chinenye’s bail plea, who also filed the motion through his lawyer, Darlington Onwunzurumba.

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After the matter was called, counsel for the EFCC, Gbolahan Latona, informed that a 17-count charge, dated Jan. 24 and filed Jan. 31, was before the court.

He prayed the court for the counts to be read to the defendants so they could take their plea.

Okorocha, who is the 1st defendant, was arraigned alongside Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited as 2nd to 7th defendants respectively.

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He was alleged to have laundered funds to the tune of N2.9 billion while serving as governor of Imo.

Shortly after the counts were read to the duo, Okorocha and Chinenye pleaded not guilty.

Justice Ekwo also entered a non-guilty plea for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th defendants, which are companies allegedly used in committing the offence, after Onwunzurumba, who held the brief of Oba Maduabuchi, SAN, did not oppose it.

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Latona, who asked for a trial date, told the court that the majority of their witnesses were outside jurisdiction due to the peculiarity of the case.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Nov. 7, Nov. 8, Nov. 9, Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 for trial commencement.

But Amaechi, who was Okorocha’s lawyer, told the court that considering the adjourned dates, they planned to file an application challenging the competence of the charge.

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He also said that a motion for his client’s bail, dated and filed on May 26, was filed and served on the prosecution.

He urged the court for the application to be taken.

Latona, who acknowledged receipt of the bail application, indicated his intention to oppose it.

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Onwunzurumba, counsel for Chinenye (2nd defendant), also informed that he filed a bail application on behalf of his client.

The EFCC lawyer confirmed being served and said he would respond to the motion as well.

Amaechi, however, expressed his unhappiness over the manner Okorocha was arrested at his residence on May 24.

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He alleged that without an arrest warrant, the operatives of the EFCC went to Okorochas’ residence, broke in, arrested him and locked him in their custody, having no regard for his status as a presidential aspirant.

The senior lawyer said against this backdrop, that a bail application was filed.

Ekwo, who fixed May 31 (Tuesday) for the hearing of the bail application, ordered Okorocha and his co-defendant to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing and determination of the motions.

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(NAN)

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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