Crime

FCT: Yahaya Bello Begins Fresh Bail Fight

Published

11 months ago

December 19, 2024

Admin

By Alexis Uchendu

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has filed a fresh bail application at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), High Court in Abuja, following his earlier bail success at the Federal High Court.

Bello faces charges of N110 billion money laundering and breach of public trust.

Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court had previously denied Bello bail, ruling that his initial application was premature, as it was submitted before he surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court ordered his remand at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the trial to January and February 2025.

In the new application, Bello’s legal team, led by Joseph Bodunde Daudu (SAN), argued that the offences are bailable and reaffirmed his presumption of innocence.

Bello has pledged to comply with bail conditions, attend all court proceedings, and avoid interfering with EFCC investigations or witnesses.

Justice Anenih has agreed to hear the application today, raising hopes for Bello’s release.

Legal experts believe the EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), may not oppose the request, given Bello’s recent cooperation with the court process.

The substantive trial, which continues in early 2025, is one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption cases.

Crime

FCT Police Rescue 23 Foreign Nationals, Arrest 14 Kidnappers in Nasarawa

Published

7 days ago

October 31, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has rescued 23 foreign nationals and arrested 14 suspected kidnappers during a major operation in Nasarawa State.

Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement on Friday that the operation, carried out by the Scorpion Squad on October 22 at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Ado Mararaba, followed reports of foreigners lured to Nigeria under false job offers.

The victims, 14 men, eight women, and one child were held for ransom in two apartments before being rescued unhurt, except one who sustained a minor injury.

Adeh said the syndicate, led by transnational kingpin Abubakar Jigiba and his brother, Sougule Zoubere, demanded ₦10 million per victim. The duo remains at large.

Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, commended the operatives and urged residents to report suspicious activities, noting that the raid was part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in border communities.

Crime

Pastor-Lawyer Re-Arraigned for Alleged Assault of 14-Year-Old Girl in Lagos

Published

1 week ago

October 30, 2025

By Samuel Adeola

A pastor and lawyer, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, has been re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl.

The Lagos State Government charged Akanni, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), pastor, with indecent treatment of a child under Section 135 of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2015. He pleaded not guilty.

Justice Oshodi upheld the bail earlier granted by a Magistrate’s Court and adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Crime

Lagos Police Arrest Three Inspectors for Brutal Assault on 22-Year-Old

Published

1 week ago

October 29, 2025

By Omoniyi David

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three inspectors for allegedly assaulting 22-year-old Jacob Sunday into a coma at the 22 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Barracks, Ogudu.

The suspects, Inspectors John Alom, Sunday Adoga, and Jehovah Usam reportedly lured the victim, son of Inspector Sunday Ochepo, into their room and beat him over an alleged affair with Mrs. Sarah Richard, wife of ASP Audu Richard, a resident of the barracks.

Jacob was rescued by detectives and rushed to the Police College Cottage Hospital, Ikeja, where he is receiving treatment.

Police authorities confirmed the arrest, adding that the officers are in detention as investigations continue.