Crime
Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello To Face Arraignment On June 13 Following Safety Concerns
Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello To Face Arraignment On June 13 Following Safety ConcernsFormer governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has finally agreed to submit himself for arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 13, following concerns about his safety in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, made the undertaking to Justice Emeka Nwite after the court rejected a request to suspend the trial by the defendant. Mohammed emphasized that Bello’s apprehensions were not about facing arraignment but rather about the safety of his life in Abuja, where he claimed consistent threats had forced him to go underground.
In response, Justice Nwite assured that the EFCC, as a law-abiding body, would adhere to due process and respect Bello’s rights. The judge reminded the court that being invited by the anti-graft agency did not equate to guilt and urged Bello to respect the law and court proceedings.
Mohammed expressed gratitude for the assurance of Bello’s safety and requested four weeks to bring his client before the court. With no opposition from the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Justice Nwite scheduled June 13 for Bello’s appearance to have his plea taken.
The decision to submit to court trial reflects Bello’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring his safety. It underscores the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating legal proceedings amidst concerns about personal security.
As the case progresses, it is imperative for all parties involved to uphold the principles of justice and due process. Bello’s willingness to cooperate with the court demonstrates a recognition of the importance of legal accountability while seeking assurances for his safety in a volatile environment.
The outcome of Bello’s arraignment will be closely watched, highlighting the delicate balance between ensuring justice and protecting the rights and safety of individuals facing legal proceedings.
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Sunmonu Olasunkanmi Thaoban to four years in prison for laundering ₦16 million by disguising its illegal origins and converting it into a 2018 black G-Wagon Jeep.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Court Sentences Man to Four Years for ₦16 Million Money Laundering, Forfeits G-Wagon
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced Sunmonu Olasunkanmi Thaoban to four years in prison for laundering ₦16 million by disguising its illegal origins and converting it into a 2018 black G-Wagon Jeep.
Key Details of the Case
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Guilty Plea & Sentencing: Justice Akintayo Aluko handed down the sentence on Thursday after Thaoban pleaded guilty to a two-count EFCC charge, alongside an alternative fine option of ₦1.8 million.
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The Offense: Prosecutors stated that Thaoban acted as a middleman in 2023, funneling illicit funds to purchase the luxury vehicle, violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Asset Forfeiture: In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered the permanent forfeiture of both the convict’s G-Wagon and mobile phone to the Federal Government.
Related BDC Convictions
In a separate proceeding, Justice Aluko also convicted four Bureau de Change (BDC) operators—Umar Muhammad Lamido, Yusuf Musa Yusuf, Abdulmuhimin Mahmud, and Muhammed Musa—for conducting unauthorized foreign exchange transactions outside the official market. Following their guilty pleas, each received a 12-month prison sentence with an option of a ₦100,000 fine.
A Delta State High Court has handed down death sentences to two individuals for their involvement in the 2018 killing of Delta State University (DELSU) undergraduate Elozino Ogege, following a ruling that found them guilty. Meanwhile, a third co-defendant facing charges related to the same incident was discharged and acquitted. The 2018 murder of Ogege had previously sparked significant public outrage and widespread demands for justice. Further details on the ruling are expected soon.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Security forces have arrested a suspected Boko Haram informant, Abulfatahi, in Monguno, Borno State, in connection with the recent terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Operation & Timing: Apprehended on July 27 during an intelligence-led sweep targeting a local terrorist information network. Two other suspects were previously arrested and moved to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre.
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Confession: During preliminary interrogations, Abulfatahi admitted to working for a Boko Haram commander named Akilu, who directs terrorist operations in Dabar Masara and Garin Mace.
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Criminal Activities: The suspect allegedly collected illegal taxes for the terrorist commander and helped select targets for abduction around Monguno.
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Evidence Recovered: Investigators found two phone numbers linked to Commander Akilu on Abulfatahi’s mobile device, which are aiding security forces in dismantling the broader network.
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Next Steps: Authorities are expanding their investigations to uncover other collaborators and strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the Lake Chad region.
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