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Alleged Money Laundering: Yahaya Bello Begs Court to spare his landed Property

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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.

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“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

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Shock as Hoodlums Kill NSCDC Officer on Duty

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There was an outrage in Kano on Friday following the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) volunteer, Abdurrauf Sheriff, who was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected hoodlums while on official duty.

The fatal incident occurred along Gyadi Gyadi Court Road, where the volunteer was reportedly carrying out his assigned responsibilities before he was attacked the hoodlums on the night of New year celebration by Kano State Governor.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Kano State Command of the NSCDC strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a violent and unacceptable act against a personnel lawfully discharging his duty.

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The statement, issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“The Command wishes to inform the general public that four suspects were arrested with dangerous weapons including a hacksaw, Danbida and drugs. They are currently in custody and assisting security agencies with investigations to ensure that justice is served,” Abdullahi stated.

Reacting to the tragic loss, the State Commandant of the NSCDC in Kano, Commandant Mohammed Hassan Agalama, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and reassured residents of the Corps’ commitment to maintaining security across the state.

He further emphasized the NSCDC’s resolve to collaborate with other security agencies to combat criminal activities and protect lives and property.

According to the statement, preliminary findings have classified the incident as culpable homicide, and the case will be transferred to the Nigerian Police for further investigation and prosecution.

The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts in the state.

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Special Advisers’ Forum Endorses Governor Yusuf’s Political Moves

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The Special Advisers’ Forum in Kano State has formally endorsed the political direction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing his leadership as pivotal to the peace and progress of the state. Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo, Secretary of the Forum, made this known while addressing journalists in Kano.

Dr. Rogo explained that politics is inherently dynamic, with varying opinions, alignments, and perspectives forming a natural part of democratic society. He stressed that, despite these differences, the Forum believes political engagement must be guided by mutual respect, maturity, decorum, and a shared commitment to the stability of Kano State.

According to Dr. Rogo, the Forum is urging all political actors, appointees, party members, supporters, and the general public to exercise restraint in their statements and actions. He warned that the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, threats, or the disclosure of private communications undermines public trust and distracts from governance. He added that Kano State has a commendable history of political awareness and civility that must be preserved.

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Dr. Rogo emphasized that Governor Yusuf, as the Executive Governor of Kano State, holds ultimate authority over political direction and decision-making. He noted that the Forum affirms its unwavering loyalty and alignment with any political decisions taken by the Governor in the interest of the state and its citizens.

The Forum, according to Dr. Rogo, has pledged collective support to the Governor as he continues his efforts toward good governance, people-focused policies, infrastructural development, social welfare initiatives, and reforms that positively impact residents. He maintained that the progress achieved across key sectors under Yusuf’s leadership is evident and deserves protection and consolidation.

Dr. Rogo further called on stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Kano State above personal feelings or political rivalries. He said unity within government and respect among political actors are vital for stability, effective governance, and the realization of the administration’s vision.

Dr. Rogo stated that the Special Advisers’ Forum remains committed to fostering dialogue, internal cohesion, and responsible communication in support of Governor Yusuf’s leadership and the overarching development agenda for Kano State.

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BUK Vice Chancellor Applauds Alumni ’92 for Decade of Support, Outlines Strategic Growth Path

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The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, has commended the BUK Class of 1992 for its “uninterrupted 10-year tradition” of philanthropy.

Speaking at the group’s 33rd Anniversary dinner and 10th reunion, Professor Musa celebrated a fresh ₦5 million donation from the alumni to the university’s Indigent Students’ Account, noting that such partnerships are vital to the university’s strategic growth.

The Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision to propel BUK into the top 500 universities globally. He highlighted the institution’s impressive trajectory in the 2026 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, which ranked BUK as the 3rd best university in Nigeria and the premier university in Northern Nigeria.

To address operational challenges, Professor Musa announced significant advancements in infrastructure and energy independence. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced a 3.5-megawatt solar plant upgrade, with plans to scale capacity to six megawatts. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the university has secured a site for the construction of 500 housing units for staff.

The Vice Chancellor also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward cultism and examination malpractice. He specifically flagged the misuse of ICT facilities as a new frontier for academic dishonesty and directed the university management to sensitize students on the ethical use of technology.

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Innovative Student Welfare Initiatives
To bridge funding gaps for less privileged students, the university will officially launch a university-wide endowment fund in 2026 under the chairmanship of Professor Attahiru Jega. The University Senate has also adopted a resolution to grant automatic suspension of studies for students unable to afford registration fees, ensuring they do not drop out entirely. Students are encouraged to utilize the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and take up part-time campus jobs.

The Chairman of the BUK ’92 Forum, Muhammad Dahiru Sa’ad, highlighted that the forum has spent the last decade providing medical outreach to hospitals, supporting widows of late colleagues, and assisting former lecturers. He specifically noted that the group recently facilitated the return of several medical students who had been suspended due to unpaid fees.

Chairman Sa’ad also praised the Vice Chancellor for securing strategic MOUs, including a ₦60 million scholarship deal with OPay Digital Services and agricultural mechanization research partnerships with Chinese institutions.

The anniversary festivities concluded with a medical outreach at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and an awards ceremony where Professor Musa and other distinguished alumni were honoured for their contributions to the university’s development.

Honourees included leading academics, senior public officers, security personnel, corporate executives, and politicians. Among them were Prof. Amina Sani Mu’azu, Prof. M.A. Suwaid, Prof. Hajara Umar Sanda, Prof. Hannatu Sabo Hadejia, Prof. Baffa Adamu Gwaram, Engr. Ibrahim Sani Abdul, and Dr. Bello Lawal Dambatta.

Others recognised were CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, CP Ali Umar Fagge, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, CIS Hussain Ibrahim, Amb. Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmad, and Amb. Musa Sani Nuhu.

Additional recipients included Alh. Muhammad Aliyu Wudil, Alh. Rabi’u Musa Dambatta, Alh. Al‑Amin Ibrahim, Alh. Kabiru Yuguda, Alh. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, Alh. Umar Sanda Kuso, Pastor Clement Oniwanye, and Yushau Shuaib Idiagbon.

 

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