Headlines

EFCC Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Assassination Claim, Urges Ex-Governor to Face Trial

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

EFCC Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Assassination Claim, Urges Ex-Governor to Face Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, alleging an assassination attempt linked to the agency’s efforts to arrest him.

The anti-graft agency described the claim as “preposterous” and an attempt to distract from the ongoing money laundering case against him.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, the EFCC expressed frustration over what it called “irresponsible and rascally efforts” by Bello to derail his trial.

The former governor faces an 18-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion but has yet to take his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The EFCC criticised Bello for avoiding the court proceedings while alleging persecution and staging his supposed surrender to the Commission on September 18.

Despite this, the agency insisted that only his presence in court, as mandated by Justice Nwite, would demonstrate his commitment to the legal process.

The Commission stated, “Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.”

Bello’s claim that EFCC agents attempted to assassinate him during a raid at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge was labelled as scaremongering and an unprecedented attempt to scandalize the Commission.

The EFCC maintained that such allegations were meant to manipulate public sentiment and divert attention from the charges against him.

Despite the ex-governor’s antics, the EFCC remains determined to pursue the case in court, where it plans to present the evidence it has gathered.

The statement also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to holding all public officials accountable, emphasising that corruption fights back but will not derail its efforts.

“Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy, or acts of brigandage,” the EFCC said.

The agency reiterated that it has already arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, and numerous high-profile individuals this year, and more would follow in due course.

While pledging to maintain its integrity, the EFCC urged Nigerians to exercise caution in responding to media reports about its operations, reminding the public that harbouring a criminal suspect is also a punishable offence.

Headlines

Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election The Police Command in Benue has commended the people of the state over their peaceful conduct during the just concluded local government election in the state. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that the election was hitch-free. “The command expresses her highest appreciation to Benue people over their peaceful conduct during the LG polls and urges them to continue in that manner. “No arrest was made during the process because the people conducted themselves in an orderly manner,” she said. Anene said that the command would always strive to ensure that the security of all law-abiding citizens was guaranteed.

Headlines

Jigawa governor warns council chairmen against land grabbing

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Jigawa governor warns council chairmen against land grabbing

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has cautioned the newly elected local council officials against land grabbing. He issued the warning at the inauguration of the chairmen and their deputies, on Monday in Dutse. “Let me make it clear to you that land issue is a sole responsibility of the government, unless the governor authorises you, stay away from land allocation and distribution, else you go to jail,” he said. He also enjoined the new officials to always remain in their respective councils to enable them to serve their people effectively. The governor warned that his administration would not condone council chairmen living outside their duty posts. “You must remain in your LGAs because the era of living in Kano or Dutse, will no longer be tolerated. “You must remain in your duty posts no matter the condition and do your best to serve your people well,” the governor added. Namadi further reminded the chairmen that their assumption of office is based on trust, adding that they would account to God how they governed their people on the day of judgment. “It is important for you to note that effective management of local government will determine the success of our party, the APC at the grassroots, state and national levels. “I urge you to govern with utmost fear of God, take care of the people at the grassroots, govern with tansparency and honesty, as the resources at your disposal belongs to the people,” he said. While wishing the officials successful tenure in office, Namadi advised them to carry everyone along in discharging their duties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC swept all the 27 chairmen and 282 councillorship seats in the Oct. 5, LG polls in the state. The Accord Party (AP) clintched four councillorship seats, while APGA won one councillorship seat in the election. Dr Muhammad Uba, the Chairman, Birninkudu Local Government Council, who spoke on behalf of others, commended the governor for his support. He pledged to do their best towards promoting government’s policies and programmes for sustainable social and economic development of the state.

Crime

NAPTIP urges stiffer penalties for rape

Published

3 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Hajiya Binta Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called for stricter penalties for rape to serve as a deterrent.

Bello made this demand during the close-out event of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law implementation in Cross River on Monday, organised by Stand to End Rape.

Represented by Mr Jacob Oba, Head of Operations, NAPTIP, Cross River Command, Bello emphasised that rape was a heinous crime against humanity.

She advocated for collective efforts to eradicate it through timely reporting, assisting survivors, providing legal services, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigmatisation.

Bello appealed for a united front against rape, reaffirming NAPTIP’s commitment to combating VAPP Act violators, including human traffickers.

On her part, Dr Mercy Kwabe, Co-director of Stand to End Rape Initiative, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in promoting equal rights through the VAPP Act.

However, she highlighted the need for better public understanding of the law, particularly in local languages.

Kwabe stressed the importance of amending the VAPP Act to incorporate harsher penalties for perpetrators, rather than repealing it.

Similarly, Ms Ann Awa, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Cross River Chapter, echoed the need for full implementation of the VAPP Act across states.

She suggested fine-tuning contentious sections rather than abolishing the law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in partnership with agencies like the National Orientation Agencies (NOA), Stand to End Rape Initiative conducted VAPP Act sensitisation in Ikot Awatim community, encouraging residents to report suspected cases.