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Appear for your trial, Appeal Court orders Yahaya Bello

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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

Appear for your trial, Appeal Court orders Yahaya Bello

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the warrant of arrest issued against the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in the 19-count money laundering charge pending against him before a Federal High Court.

In a judgment  yesterday, a three-member panel of the appellate court was unanimous in holding that Justice Emeka Nwite (of the Federal High Court, Abuja) who issued the arrest warrant on April 17 appropriately applied the law.

The court directed Bello to present himself before the court to answer  the charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In the charge, the EFCC accused Bello among others, of allegedly laundering N80, 246,470, 088.88 belonging to Kogi State.

The appellate court also held that Justice Nwite was right in declining to hear a notice of objection filed by Bello to challenge the competence of the charge.

It faulted the claim by Bello that the EFCC flouted an order by the High Court of Kogi State, sitting in Lokoja, prohibiting his prosecution.

The Court of Appeal made these findings in three unanimous judgments delivered  on three appeals, two by Bello and one by the EFCC.

The court dismissed the two by Bello, holding that they were unmeritorious and allowed the one by the EFCC. Justice Kenneth Amadi read the judgments.

On the Bello’s appeal,  the court  held that the service of the charge on the ex-governor, through his lawyer, was valid and proper.

It held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 did  not specify the manner in which an application for substituted service of the charge should be made.

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The appellate court also upheld the order earlier made by the Federal High Court for substituted service of the charge on Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN).

The court rejected the appeal in which Bello had challenged the decision of the Federal High Court insisting that he must first be arraigned before his objection to the competence of the charge could be considered.

The Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court was right when it ruled that it would no longer entertain any application, including the appellant’s preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction.

It held that there “is no dichotomy between pre and post arraignment objection, adding, Bello’s preliminary objection could not be taken without him first being arraigned.

The Court of Appeal held that the appellant having been aware of his charge in the media space and also published by the EFCC,  but refused to appear to take his plea, the trial court was right in issuing a warrant for his arrest.

In its judgment on another appeal by the EFCC, the Appeal Court held that no court has the power, in the guise of enforcement of fundamental rights, to make an order shielding and restraining the EFCC from arresting and or prosecuting anybody.

It  held that the order made by the trial High Court in Kogi prejudiced the criminal charge pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The appellate court then ordered Bello to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to take his plea in respect of the charge  before taking any further steps could be taken.

Appear for your trial, Appeal Court orders Yahaya Bello

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Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

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Suicide by poision

Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

A 30-year-old woman, Abigail Adebayo, has died by suicide in Ijebu-Ode, following the reported rejection of her marriage by her fiancé’s family, authorities and community sources confirmed.

Abigail had been in a relationship with Oniga Abiola since September 2025, with plans to marry. About two weeks ago, Abiola introduced her to his relatives, but his mother reportedly disapproved upon learning that Abigail had three children from a previous relationship. The objection was later reinforced by Abiola himself, leading to heightened emotional distress for Abigail.

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Family sources say Abigail was later found motionless in her room and rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. The circumstances reportedly indicate that she ingested a toxic substance.

Her fiancé reported the incident to the Atan Ijebu Division, Ogun State Police Command, and police sources confirmed that detectives inspected the scene and examined her body, noting no visible marks of violence. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of her death.

The tragic incident has reignited discussions on the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support for women in relationships, and community interventions to prevent similar tragedies. Experts stress the need for counseling services and support networks for individuals facing familial and relational pressures.

Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

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RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor

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RCCG pastor Peter Akpe

RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Mr. Peter Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been officially confirmed as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following approval by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The confirmation comes after a thorough vetting process by the state assembly, which assessed Akpe’s qualifications, leadership experience, and eligibility to hold the office of Deputy Governor under the Nigerian Constitution. Lawmakers expressed confidence in his ability to support the Governor and contribute to the state’s developmental agenda.

Peter Akpe’s appointment fills the longstanding deputy governorship vacancy and positions him to play a critical role in policy implementation, governance oversight, and coordination across state ministries and agencies.

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The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly praised the smooth confirmation process, describing it as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, political stability, and due process.

Akpe is expected to be sworn in shortly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as the state’s second-in-command. Sources indicate that his priorities will include enhancing governance efficiency, supporting development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

As an RCCG pastor, Peter Akpe is also expected to bring his experience in community engagement, mentorship, and faith-based leadership to the office.

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BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu as New Police Chief

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Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.

Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.

His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.

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In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.

Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.

Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.

Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

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