On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rested its prosecution case against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman after presenting 17 witnesses before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants are facing a 16-count charge concerning the alleged misappropriation and money laundering of over ₦10.27 billion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the proceedings, the final prosecution witness, investigator Ahmed Audu Abubakar, concluded his testimony. The court admitted four statements from Abdulsalam Hudu, the Kogi State Government House cashier, into evidence as exhibits. In his testimony, the witness highlighted a statement detailing a ₦300,000 transaction involving Ali Bello—the current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo—purportedly for the purchase of books for a community school project.

Following the discharge of the 17th witness, the prosecution formally closed its case. In response, defense counsel for both defendants indicated their intent to file a “no-case submission”. Justice Omotosho granted the request for a timeline to file these submissions and their respective replies, adjourning the trial until June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned that the unauthorized leak of voter data from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database poses a significant risk to the integrity of the 2027 general election. According to a statement released on Tuesday by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that this incident highlights the susceptibility of Nigeria’s electoral bodies to political manipulation well before the official start of campaigns.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Atiku expressed deep skepticism regarding INEC’s response to the breach. While the commission denied an external hack, it confirmed that sensitive voter data was accessed and distributed using official credentials. Atiku emphasized that this internal failure is deeply concerning, as it suggests inadequate institutional safeguards and potential political interference.

A focal point of Atiku’s concern is that the leaked information was publicized by Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. This follows recent public comments by Minister Wike, in which he claimed with great certainty that Atiku would not receive significant electoral support in Rivers State in 2027. Atiku questioned whether this confidence was based on privileged, illicit access to neutral state institutions.

As a 2027 presidential contender, Atiku is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the “chain of custody” regarding the leaked data—specifically, who accessed it, who requested it, and how it left the commission’s control. While he acknowledged INEC’s internal probe and the ongoing investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), he insisted that identifying the compromised account is insufficient. He maintained that anything less than a fully transparent and thorough investigation will further erode public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has publicly addressed an invitation he received from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning allegations of naira abuse during his son’s naming ceremony in May. Although the EFCC has not officially announced this invitation on their social media, Portable confirmed via Instagram that he is aware of the letter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Portable stated he will not appear before the commission immediately, noting that his legal team has advised waiting until September. This delay is reportedly due to concerns over the current security climate, including fears regarding kidnapping and national unrest. The singer emphasized that he is not evading authorities and is currently at home with his family, with his lawyer managing all interactions with the commission.

Defending his actions, Portable denied involvement in fraud, theft, or money laundering, asserting that his wealth is derived from his music career. He questioned why he was singled out for investigation, suggesting that others have engaged in similar actions without facing repercussions, and claimed he was being intimidated. Portable appealed to President Bola Tinubu for assistance, warning that any attempt to arrest him unlawfully would spark protests, and maintained that he remains unafraid of the EFCC.