Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello remains wanted over N80.2bn fraud allegations  - EFCC - Newstrends
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Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello remains wanted over N80.2bn fraud allegations  – EFCC

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Yahaya Bello

Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello remains wanted over N80.2bn fraud allegations  – EFCC

Immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is still on the run 108 days after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

A group of armed men identified as ‘Special Forces’ and some policemen prevented EFCC operatives from apprehending Bello at his Wuse Zone 4, Abuja residence on Wednesday, April 17.

Bello and three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, were to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on19 counts related to money laundering.

But the inability of the anti-graft agency to arrest the former Kogi State governor stalled the arraignment.See also  Atiku Not A Nigerian, Unqualified To Contest Presidency, Says APC

The current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, also rushed to Bello’s house and escorted him out of the location.

EFCC had earlier been granted a warrant of arrest by a Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend the former governor.

The House of Representatives candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, Austin Okai, had on June 21 claimed that Bello was hiding in the state Government House in Lokoja.

Okai’s claim contradicted the earlier reports that Bello had been smuggled out of the country after the raid on his house.

However, the EFCC has continued a manhunt for Bello, who had refused to surrender himself for arrest.

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Speaking on the matter, the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the EFCC was not ready to arrest Bello.

According to him, the anti-corruption agency has sophisticated equipment to track and arrest Bello.

Nwanguma said: “It is surprising that despite all the hot waves and drama of the EFCC, including the vow of the chairman that he would resign if he couldn’t arrest Yahaya Bello, the man is still out there more than three months after he was declared wanted.

“If they truly wanted to arrest Yahaya Bello, they would have arrested him. If this was a case of a poor man, they would have easily arrested him.”

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However, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dismissed the insinuation that the agency had been compromised or unwilling to arrest the former governor.

Oyewale maintained that Bello remained wanted until arrested.

He said, “The matter is in court, and there are various orders of the court. Senior lawyers who failed to bring him (Bello) to court are already slated for discipline.

“If an anti-corruption agency declares a suspect wanted, all over the world, he remains wanted until he is arrested.

“Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted, and he remains wanted. Judicial processes have been instituted in court, and they are ongoing.”

Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello remains wanted over N80.2bn fraud allegations  – EFCC

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Fubara Appoints New Attorney General, Redeploys Christopher Green in Cabinet Reshuffle

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Rivers State Governor Simi Fubara
Rivers State Governor Simi Fubara

Fubara Appoints New Attorney General, Redeploys Christopher Green in Cabinet Reshuffle

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, appointing a new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as part of efforts to stabilise governance following the state’s recent political developments.

Governor Fubara approved the redeployment of Barrister Christopher Green, who previously served as Commissioner for Sports Development, to the Ministry of Justice, where he will now function as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

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The appointment was ratified during an Executive Council meeting, bringing an end to the vacancy created by the dissolution of some cabinet members affected by the Supreme Court judgment arising from the Rivers State political crisis.

In a statement issued by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, the governor directed that Barr. Green should continue to oversee the Ministry of Sports Development pending the appointment of a substantive commissioner.

The redeployment takes immediate effect and was approved at the final State Executive Council meeting of 2025. Governor Fubara said the decision reflects his administration’s resolve to strengthen governance, ensure continuity in service delivery, and optimise the performance of critical ministries across Rivers State.

Fubara Appoints New Attorney General, Redeploys Christopher Green in Cabinet Reshuffle

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Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid into their personal bank accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited, unapproved, and a violation of constitutional provisions on public expenditure.

The lawmakers made their position known in a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George.

According to the statement, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts of ₦100,000 each on December 30, 2025, following a directive from the governor. However, the Assembly said the funds were transferred without legislative approval and were therefore rejected.

George explained that upon discovering the transfers, lawmakers immediately took steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government, stressing that the Assembly would not participate in any action that falls short of the law.

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The House recalled that Governor Fubara had approved the payment of ₦100,000 as a festive bonus for civil servants and some public office holders, but insisted that such expenditure must comply with due process and receive legislative backing.

The lawmakers further accused the governor of persistently withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without the approval of the legislature since assuming office in 2023, despite repeated warnings, court judgments, and constitutional provisions.

“As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read.

The Assembly also warned civil servants and government officials alleged to be collaborating in what it described as unlawful withdrawals to desist, noting that the House is aware of actions that contravene the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers.

Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

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Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

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Army headquarters reviews troops combat readiness

Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

Barely days after a deadly suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of several worshippers, troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials in Borno State.

The successful operation followed sustained intelligence-led security operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area, carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies.

In a statement issued Tuesday night by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, it was revealed that the suspect was apprehended at the Banki Central Mosque.

“At about 1740 hours on Monday, December 29, 2025, troops deployed at Banki Central Mosque arrested a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha,” the statement said.

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According to the military, the suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent terror attack. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of other incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.

“He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with JAS/ISWAP terrorist networks operating in the area,” Uba added.

In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a critical IED precursor material. The vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.

Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea, bringing the total seized to 12 bags. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Lt. Col. Uba said troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, sustained presence, and intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.

He assured the public that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in North East Nigeria.

The military also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

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