Crime

N110.4b Fraud: Trouble Mounts as Yaya Bello Defies Court

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2024

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who are co-defendants with the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case, preferred again them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Head of Media and Publicity for EFCC, Dele Oyawale, in a release said that, while the defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing Hudu and Oricho, respectively argued yesterday that their clients were due for release from the holding facility of the Commission, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed their release on the basis of mere oral applications.

Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that the bail applications should be made in writing.

“You must come formally,” she was said to have affirmed, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.

Hudu and Oricho were arraigned on October 3, 2024 before Justice Anenih and were remanded in the EFCC’s custody.

Oyedepo, during the Thursday’s proceedings, informed the court that the EFCC had complied with its earlier order that the Commission should publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper, as the former governor continues to dishonour court rulings for his appearance for arraignment.

“We have complied with the court order and have filed an affidavit of compliance,” he said.

It will be recalled that on October 3, 2024, the court issued a public summon against Yahaya Bello following his refusal to make court appearances for his arraignment on new16-count charges of fraud to the tune of N110.4 billion, filed against him by the EFCC.

Justice Anenih adjourned the case until November 14 and 20, 2024, for Yahaya Bello’s arraignment.

Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

Published

3 months ago

February 17, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

Published

3 months ago

February 16, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.