Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Stop N110.4bn Fraud Trial

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has suffered a major legal setback after a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, dismissed his application challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the alleged N110.4 billion fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Maryanne Anenih, clears the way for the continuation of Bello’s trial over allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving public funds allegedly diverted during his tenure as governor.

The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds totaling N110.4 billion.

In his application, Bello urged the court to strike out the charges, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter. His legal team maintained that the alleged offences were not committed within the Federal Capital Territory and therefore should not be tried in Abuja.

Counsel to the former governor, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the proper venue for the trial should be outside the FCT, insisting that the court lacked the constitutional authority to proceed with the matter.

However, the prosecution, led by senior advocate Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as lacking merit and aimed at delaying the substantive trial.

Pinheiro argued that the offences contained in the charge are offences under the Penal Code and are therefore properly triable before the FCT High Court. He further submitted that some of the properties and transactions linked to the alleged offences are located in Abuja, thereby establishing sufficient territorial connection for the court to exercise jurisdiction.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih agreed with the prosecution’s arguments and held that the court possesses the legal authority to hear and determine the case.

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The judge ruled that the proceedings do not constitute an abuse of court process and subsequently dismissed Bello’s application for lacking merit.

According to the court, the presence of properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences within Abuja provides a sufficient basis for the FCT High Court to assume jurisdiction over the matter.

The decision removes a significant procedural hurdle that could have delayed the high-profile trial and allows the prosecution to continue presenting evidence against the defendants.

Following the dismissal of the application, the EFCC immediately resumed its case and called its 16th prosecution witness, Baba-Isah Usman Baffa, to testify before the court.

During his testimony, Baffa provided details regarding property transactions allegedly connected to individuals linked to the administration of the former governor. The witness reportedly told the court that some of the properties under investigation were associated with Ali Bello, a former Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Government.

The prosecution also presented another witness, Shehu Bello, an estate agent and commodity trader, who testified about his involvement in certain property transactions that later became subjects of investigation by the anti-graft agency.

According to the witness, he was invited by the EFCC in 2023 to provide information concerning properties that form part of the agency’s ongoing investigation.

Since the commencement of the trial, the EFCC has called multiple witnesses, including bank officials, compliance officers, property developers, legal practitioners and real estate operators, who have testified on financial transactions, property acquisitions and other documentary evidence linked to the allegations.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello and his co-defendants diverted and laundered public funds while he served as governor of Kogi State. The defendants have consistently denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

With the jurisdiction challenge now dismissed, attention is expected to shift fully to the substantive issues in the case as the prosecution continues to present witnesses and documentary evidence in support of its claims.

Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter for continuation of trial.

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Stop N110.4bn Fraud Trial

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue

The Federal Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism efforts, securing approximately 150 terrorism convictions within the first 48 hours of the latest phase of mass terrorism trials taking place at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the court premises, where hundreds of terrorism-related cases are being heard simultaneously before a panel of judges.

According to Fagbemi, the ongoing exercise, which commenced on Monday, has already yielded significant results, with about 160 cases heard on the first day alone and roughly 150 convictions secured.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” the AGF said.

He further revealed that proceedings on Tuesday involved approximately 300 additional cases, with another 84 matters expected to be concluded before the end of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” he added.

The mass terrorism trials are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen accountability, accelerate the prosecution of terrorism suspects, and reinforce national security efforts against insurgency and violent extremism.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from Nigerians as the exercise progresses, noting that the government remains committed to ensuring justice is served through lawful and transparent judicial processes.

The Attorney-General described the ongoing proceedings as the fourth phase of mass terrorism trials conducted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the government is determined to send a strong message that terrorism will not be tolerated in any form.

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“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking,” he stated.

The current phase involves suspects facing charges ranging from terrorism, terrorism financing, conspiracy, aiding and abetting insurgent activities, and other offences linked to extremist groups operating in different parts of the country.

To facilitate speedy hearings, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court constituted a special panel of judges to simultaneously handle cases across multiple courtrooms.

Among the judges presiding over the trials are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan.

The prosecution team is being led by Fagbemi alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team representing indigent defendants.

Unlike previous phases conducted in Kainji, Niger State, the latest round of terrorism trials is taking place in Abuja to accommodate a larger number of cases and improve judicial efficiency.

Security has also been significantly tightened around the Federal High Court complex, with armed security personnel deployed across strategic locations to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings.

The latest exercise follows another major round of prosecutions conducted between April 7 and April 10, 2026, during which the Federal Government secured convictions against 386 terrorism suspects out of 508 cases heard before 10 courts.

Government officials say the ongoing trials form part of a broader effort to dismantle terrorist networks, strengthen the rule of law and ensure that individuals involved in acts of terrorism face justice.

The Federal Government has also maintained that the trials are being conducted in accordance with both domestic laws and international legal standards, with provisions made for legal representation and due process throughout the proceedings.

With hundreds of cases still pending, authorities say the current phase of the trials will continue through Thursday, while additional hearings may follow as part of Nigeria’s sustained campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

FG Secures 150 Terrorism Convictions in 48 Hours as Mass Trials Continue

Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured concerned Nigerians that the 46 abducted pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 will be rescued, declaring emphatically that the state will not experience a repeat of the 2014 Chibok tragedy. The governor made this pledge on Tuesday while addressing a passionate protest led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who had gathered with demonstrators at Makinde’s private residence in Ibadan. The protesters demanded urgent action to end the rising insecurity and secure the immediate release of the hostages, whose whereabouts have remained unknown for over a month. The demonstration, which occurred more than four weeks after the initial abduction, was fueled by growing public frustration over the lack of transparent information regarding the welfare and location of the victims, with many Nigerians expressing concern that the situation was being allowed to fester without adequate government response.

Addressing the anxious crowd, Governor Makinde drew a firm line between the current situation and the infamous Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping of April 2014, when Boko Haram terrorists abducted over 200 girls from a secondary school in Borno State, many of whom remain missing to this day. He stated emphatically, “First, let me make it very clear, Oyo State is not Chibok and it will not be Chibok. We have lost men, soldiers and even officers. I can confirm to you that a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army was killed a few days ago. This is Oyo State. They know that this is not Chibok and that our children will never be in the same situation as the Chibok children. We are doing everything possible.” The governor’s reference to the Chibok tragedy served to reassure anxious parents and citizens that his administration was approaching the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserved, while also acknowledging the painful history of mass abductions in Nigeria that have often ended in prolonged captivity or tragedy.

The governor disclosed that the rescue mission has already exacted a significant toll on security personnel, revealing that a Nigerian Army lieutenant lost his life just days ago during ongoing efforts to locate and free the captives. Additionally, one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, has been killed, further underscoring the dangerous nature of the operation. In a related revelation, Governor Makinde noted that the state’s security outfit, the Amotekun Corps, has paid an enormous price in the broader fight against insecurity in the region. According to the governor, over 200 Amotekun operatives have lost their lives in the line of duty, a staggering figure that highlights the grave security challenges facing the state and the sacrifices being made by local security personnel who operate with limited resources and inadequate armament. These revelations provided context for the protesters, demonstrating that the government and security agencies were not idle but were actively engaged in dangerous operations that have already claimed significant lives.

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State (on red fazcap); Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (left) and others, protesting over the abduction of Teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government area, at the governor private residence in Ibadan, yesterday

In a deeply emotional moment that moved many in the crowd, Governor Makinde declared his willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice if it would guarantee the safe return of the abducted children, who range from nursery to primary school age. He stated, “If you ask me whether I can sacrifice myself for those children to come out, I will do it. I have lived a good life. I am almost sixty. It doesn’t matter. My own father died at 76. But if there is a potential for needless loss of lives, we will avoid losing more. But if we get to the point that certain people have to be sacrificed, including myself, we will do it.” The governor emphasized that the young age of the victims – most being nursery and primary schoolchildren – makes the operation particularly sensitive and complex. He explained that these are children “who cannot even run or do anything for themselves,” requiring a careful and specialized approach to avoid casualties, as any aggressive military action could potentially endanger the very lives they are trying to save. This acknowledgment of the delicate nature of the rescue operation demonstrated the governor’s understanding of the unique challenges posed by this particular abduction, which is unprecedented in Nigeria for targeting such young children.

Governor Makinde revealed that authorities have been in communication with the abductors, though he expressed strong reservations about negotiating with criminals. He stressed that negotiating with bandits would amount to surrendering the state’s sovereignty, but acknowledged that the unique circumstances of this case have compelled the government to adopt a more flexible stance. He explained, “They are talking to us. It is not something I would normally do. If the government starts negotiating with bandits, it means we are surrendering our sovereignty to the bandits. But in this special situation, if we want those children alive, we have to bend backwards. Once the children are out, I give you the assurance that it will not occur again in Oyo State.” The governor gave his word that the children and teachers remain alive, stating, “I can tell you that there is no information that any of those children or their teachers have died as of today.” This delicate balancing act between maintaining state authority and ensuring the safe return of the hostages reflects the difficult choices facing the government, as any misstep could either encourage future abductions or result in the loss of innocent lives.

In a frank admission that shed light on the structural challenges facing state governments, Governor Makinde addressed the constitutional limitations that constrain state governments in matters of security. He noted that while security is one of the cardinal principles of his administration, he has no direct authority to deploy the Commissioner of Police or military personnel without federal approval. He stated, “I will not shift blame, but our reality is that the state government is not in charge of the security agencies. As the Governor of Oyo State, I am not in charge. The CP, I can call him, we can meet, but I cannot deploy him. If I say go to XYZ, he will need to get approval from the Inspector-General of Police. The same thing applies to the military.” This, he explained, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Amotekun security network, although he lamented that the corps remains inadequately armed to effectively combat the escalating threats. The governor’s candid acknowledgment of these limitations served to educate the public on the complexities of Nigeria’s security architecture, while also subtly calling for greater federal support and cooperation in addressing the crisis.

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In a show of solidarity with the demonstrators that surprised many, Governor Makinde expressed his support for the protest, stating that such actions are essential for holding leaders accountable in a democratic society. He told the crowd, “I will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth. One, if I am not in government, I will be with you. I will also be protesting, assuming I am not the governor of Oyo State. I do not have anything against what you are doing to have a society where leaders are accountable and a society that is inclusive.” This unexpected endorsement from the governor appeared to diffuse some of the tension at the protest, as he positioned himself not as an adversary of the demonstrators but as a fellow citizen who shares their frustrations and aspirations for a better-governed society. The governor’s remarks also underscored the importance of civic engagement and peaceful protest in Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed gunmen attacked schools in Ahoro-Dada, Yawota, and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The abductors are believed to have taken the hostages into the rugged terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, a sprawling area of approximately 2,500 square kilometres that poses significant operational challenges for security forces. The park’s dense vegetation, difficult terrain, and vast size make it an ideal hideout for criminal elements and complicate rescue efforts, as security operatives must navigate treacherous conditions while attempting to locate and extract the hostages without alerting the abductors. The victims include teachers and pupils, many of whom are of nursery and primary school age, making their prolonged captivity in such harsh conditions a matter of grave concern for their families and the broader public.

Governor Makinde assured the public that rescue efforts are ongoing and that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the hostages. He urged calm while security operatives continue their work, stating that the government remains committed to bringing an end to the ordeal and that the children would be brought back alive. The governor’s assurances, while providing some measure of comfort, also highlighted the immense pressure on his administration to deliver a positive outcome in a situation that has captured national attention and drawn comparisons to some of Nigeria’s darkest moments in the fight against insurgency and banditry. As the rescue operation continues, the people of Oyo State and indeed all Nigerians await with bated breath for news of the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, hoping that Governor Makinde’s vow that “Oyo is not Chibok” will ultimately prove true.

Makinde Vows to Rescue Oyo Abducted Pupils, Declares ‘Oyo Is Not Chibok’