News
N10 billion stolen from Kogi account: Court admits exhibit against Bello’s nephew, Ali
Ali Bello, a nephew of the Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello on Friday went deeper into trouble as the trial Court in the stolen N10 billion belonging to Kogi State Government has admitted exhibits.
Bello’s nephew is standing trial alongside other two accomplices. They were involved in stealing the sum of N10 billion from the State account which they laundered before the transaction was blown up.
The laundering case was filed at the Federal High Court on Thursday, January 11, 2023, before Justice James Omotsho in Abuja.
The money was transferred in tranches from the accounts of Kogi state government and that of the state’s government House Administration account in a suspicious manner.
The defendants are being prosecuted on 10-count charges bordering on misappropriation and money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The witness, Bananda Edward, a Compliance Officer with United Bank of Africa, UBA, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented a statement of account generated from UBA in respect of transactions in the state government and state government’s house administration accounts.
In the statement of accounts, there were cash withdrawals on December 23, 2022, to tune of N20 million which were withdrawn in tranches of N10 million each from the Kogi State Government account in favour of Kudu Abdulsalam. Oyedepo moved to tender the transactions as an exhibit in evidence but was opposed by A.M Alilu, counsel to the first defendant and Nureini Jimoh, counsel to the second defendant on the grounds that the documents did not satisfy the Bank Book 258 of the Evidence Act as well as Sections 89(h) and 91(e) of the same Evidence Act 2011.
Responding, Oyedepo prayed the court to discountenance the arguments of the defence counsels, arguing that the documents are original and genuine in the form they appear.
“The law says where a document is admissible, the attachment goes with it. The documents are also relevant to the facts of the case.
That is why it is going through the turbulence we are seeing now. I submit that the fundamental evidence given by the witness has complied with Section 90, sub-section 1, Paragraph (e) of the Evidence Act 2011, and the witness has confirmed on oath that the documents presented are made by customers of the bank. The document is relevant to the trial, because it is a bank statement. He even took a step further to authenticate the document through the certificate of authentication,” he said.
Justice Omotosho ruled in favour of the prosecution and admitted the documents in evidence.
The witness also examined Exhibit E, which contained transactions on December 28, 2022, where he revealed that there were cheque withdrawals of N10 million each in four places in favour of one Alhassan Onakaji.
“On January 3, 2023, there was an inflow of N100 million and in January 4, 2023 there were withdrawals from the same account of N10 million each in nine withdrawals. There were further cheque withdrawals of N10 million each in favour of Abdulsalam Kudu.
“On January 11, 2023, there was an inflow of N100 million into the account and on January 24, 2023, there was also an inflow of N100 million into the account. On February 22, 2023, there were inflows of N24, 928,195.26 and N50 million. On February 6, 2023, there were inflows of N29,800,000, N16,740,000, N35,440,000, N22,700,000, N151,135,000.
“On February 6, 2023, there were also cash transfers in favour of Hussein Yusuf to the sum of N500,000.00; N300,000 in favour of Salaudin Abdulrazak; N500,000,00 in favour of Sule Ojo; N500,000,00 in favour of Shuab Abdulrasheed; N300,000.00 in favour Abubakar Magaji, N500,000.00 in favour of Abdulkareem Abdulraman; N1,300,000 in favour of Chrisenbirth Investment Ltd and N1,000,000 twice in favour of Peter Oha,” said the EFCC statement.
Justice Omotoso, after listening to the submissions of the witness, adjourned the matter till February 5 and 6 for continuation of the hearing.
Ali and Yahaya Bello and two others are standing trial in a N10 billion money laundering case. They were arraigned on December 15, 2022, on 10-count charges bordering on misappropriation and money laundering.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
-
Security5 days agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News3 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News4 days agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News4 days agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News2 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News4 days agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News2 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business4 days agoFCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure