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Court Admits Disputed Document, Witness Clears Yahaya Bello Of Any Transaction Links.

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The 10th prosecution witness in the ongoing alleged money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello maintained that the ex-governor’s name is not linked to the transactions under investigation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The witness, Mahmoud Abdulazeez, an employee of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, identified Exhibit 42 as the Irrevocable Power of Attorney between Dantata and Sawoe and Azab Real Estate Limited, and Exhibit 43 as a Deed of Assignment between the same parties. Both documents were admitted into evidence by Justice Emeka Nwite after a brief ruling on their admissibility.

During cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Abdulazeez noted that Exhibit 43 did not state the value of the property involved. He also revealed that he has over 25 years of experience as an accountant and had never previously encountered documents that lacked property values.

Abdulazeez further told the court that former Governor Bello was not involved in the transaction and was not present at their office during the process. He explained that Dantata and Sawoe authorized Azab Real Estate to execute the deed, with the respective directors signing on their behalf, and Ali Bello signing for Azab.

Earlier, Justice Nwite ruled that the documents, which the defense had challenged, were admissible. He stated that although they were public documents under Sections 102 and 104 of the Evidence Act, the prosecution sought them not to establish property ownership but to prove the existence of a transaction in a criminal trial.

The prosecution then called its 11th witness, James Igbakule, a legal practitioner, regarding a property on Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2, Abuja. He testified that the payment for the property was made in three installments and that he was contacted by one Shehu Bello on behalf of SFC Foods Limited. Igbakule added that he was later invited by the EFCC regarding the investigation and denied ever meeting or having any business with former Governor Bello.

The 12th prosecution witness, Jemilu Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change operator, confirmed conducting transactions mainly with Keyless Nature Limited and Ejadams Essence Limited, including multiple transactions of N10 million by one Abba Adaudu.

After a brief recess, the defendant’s counsel requested the removal of the “red alert” issued prior to the defendant’s court appearance, arguing that allowing travel while retaining the alert was contradictory. Prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, clarified that the application to vacate the prior travel order was for Bello’s benefit, permitting travel during Ramadan for 10 days starting March 13. Justice Nwite said he would review the issue carefully before ruling.

The court adjourned the trial to April 22, 23, 24, and May 6 and 7 for continuation.

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.

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An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.

Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.

Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.

He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.

“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.

The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.

Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.

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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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