A former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has appealed to Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, to spare him the possession of a landed property in the Maitama district as one of the conditions for bail.

Bello made the plea on Thursday, December 19, 2024, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN. He argued that obtaining Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents for properties in Maitama is challenging due to the peculiarities of the area.

“My Lord, most people who may be willing to stand as sureties are reluctant to part with their original title documents.

Moreover, many buildings in Maitama are corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton, NCC among others. Therefore, we are pleading with this honourable court to consider other highbrow areas such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others when granting bail to our client,” he said.

Earlier, Daudu informed the court that the matter was slated for the hearing of Bello’s bail application. Explaining, he told the court, “We filed our application yesterday, December 18, 2024, and the prosecution served a counter-affidavit the same day.

“We intend to focus on the trial, and for that, we need unrestricted access to the defendant to ensure he is fully prepared.

The charges against him are bailable. Moreover, there are critical documents that only he can access. My Lord, the second and third defendants have already been granted bail, and if not for procedural delays, my client would have been granted bail as well,” he said.

In response, counsel for the prosecution, Olukayode Eniton SAN, did not oppose the bail application.

“I confirm that the learned senior counsel, Daudu, has been in communication with the prosecution team. Based on the assurance that the defendant will stand trial, barring unforeseen circumstances, we are willing to defer to your lordship’s discretion regarding the terms and conditions of bail,” he said.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.

The judge also ordered Bello to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar. She further directed that he remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Kuje, until his bail conditions are met.

Two other defendants standing trial alongside Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had their bail conditions varied. The judge reduced their bail sum from N300m to N200m and further ordered that they could get landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court that had the same values as the bail sum.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Oricha and Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Justice Anenih adjourned hearing on the substantive suit till January 29, 2024

Politics Nigeria

The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Water Resources, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, has directed a comprehensive staff audit for employees working under the Kano State Water Board. This directive aims to enhance the working environment and ensure effective service delivery.

In a statement issued today by the Honourable Commissioner, Doguwa emphasized that the staff audit is intended to create a conducive atmosphere and an efficient working environment. “The staff auditing is aimed at providing a conducive atmosphere and effective working environment, which would result in effective service delivery,” Doguwa explained.

The Honourable Commissioner also called on the affected staff members to fully support and cooperate during the auditing exercise. “I urge the affected members of staff to give maximum support and cooperation during the auditing exercise,” he stated.

The statement was signed by the Public Relations Officer, Rukayya Uba Sulaiman, who reiterated the importance of the audit in achieving the ministry’s goals.

The staff audit is expected to identify areas for improvement and streamline operations within the Kano State Water Board, ultimately leading to better service delivery for the residents of Kano State.

Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District has described the appointment of Alhaji Nura Iro Ma’aji as commissioner as well-deserved appointment.

Sumaila, in a statement he personally signed, said the appointment is a testament to Ma’aji’s unwavering dedication, exceptional resourcefulness and remarkable intellect.

“Your distinguished academic background and extensive political experience uniquely equip you to make impactful contributions to our great state. I am confident that your leadership will usher in innovative policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges we faced and steering Kano towards brighter future.

“Throughout your tenure, it is essential to carry out your duties with diligence, integrity and strong sense of purpose, protecting the good name of your family and the esteemed legacy of your community will be paramount as you navigate the responsibilities of your new role,” he said.

Sen. Sumaila expressed gratitude to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf for the gesture, saying by recognising such a potential form Sumaila community, and bestowed him with a slot of commissioner, the governor as set a precodent that will not only inspire the people of Sumaila but foster unity and ambition among them.

Sumaila, therefore, assured Ma’aji of his commitment towards ensuring smooth working relationship with him for the overall development of Kano state, saying “together we can make a meaningful partnership that will deliver tangible results for our constituents, uplift our communities and ensure sustainable growth in Kano state.”

He appealed to the people of Sumaila, Kano South and Kano state in general to support the new commissioner with a view to discharging his responsibilities effectively.