Additionally, Emefiele appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5m notes at the cost of N18.96bn.
EFCC kicks against Emefiele overseas medical trip
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Monday, opposed an application by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele for the release of his passport to facilitate an overseas medical trip.
Defence counsel, Labi-Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatments which was objected to by the EFCC.
Monday’s affidavit by the defence and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution was in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25, 2024, by both teams.
A statement on Monday by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, furtherance to the counter-affidavit, told the court that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was plagued by an ailment.
He added that if there was, there was no evidence to support that it could not be treated locally in Nigeria.
“Omeiza further noted that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions, arguing that releasing it to him would amount to the court varying his bail conditions, “ the statement added.
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Oyewale said the EFCC’s lawyer also argued that Emefiele was a flight risk.
“ The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts,” Oyewale quoted Omeiza as saying.
In response, Oyewale said the defence counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative, noting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert on the defendant to enable his arrest if he made the overseas medical trip and refused to come back.
He said the trial Judge, Justice Hamza Mu’azu, after listening to both counsel, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.
The former CBN governor is facing trial in three separate cases before different judges.
With Justice Mu’azu, he is being tried for procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other charges.
Before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Emefiele is charged with alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8bn.
Additionally, Emefiele appeared before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja for allegedly approving the printing of N684.5m notes at the cost of N18.96bn.
INEC notifies Natasha, Senate of recall petition
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday got a memo from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It is a notification to her of the receipt of petition from voters in her Constituency demanding her recall.
The same notification was sent by the electoral agency to the leadership of the Senate.
The Commission also unfolded plans to scrutinise the signatures of the petitioners to ascertain their authenticity.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed in a statement that the addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of representatives of the petitioners, which were initially not attached, had been submitted to the commission.
On Tuesday, the Commission had picked holes in the petition, pointing out that it failed to meet the standard because the addresses and phone numbers of the petitioners’ representatives were not provided as required by law.
Exuding confidence after INEC’s confirmation that that aspect of recall requirements had been met, the petitioners said the recall request was meant to correct what they described as the error of wrong choice.
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Olumekun said: “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission, dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025.
“As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address.
“The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.
“The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency.
“This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, is serving a six-month suspension for misconduct and abuse of the Senate rules after her seat was changed.
She went ahead to make allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
On Wednesday, Zubairu Yakubu, who wrote the petition, accompanied by former Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions sitting to defend the allegations.
However, the Committee threw out her petition, saying that the matter was already a subject of litigation.
During the meeting, Dr Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) clashed, exchanging hot words.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been junketing between the United States and Europe, granting interview against Senate president.
FG declares public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr
The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays in celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government.
He urged Muslims across the country to use the period for prayers, reflection, and acts of kindness, emphasizing the importance of peace, unity, and national development.
In a statement on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, highlighting the significance of the holy month in fostering self-discipline, compassion, and spiritual renewal.
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Tunji-Ojo called on all Muslims to continue embodying the virtues of love, generosity, and peace, emphasising the need for national unity and religious harmony.
He also urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the country’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us reflect on the lessons of Ramadan, embrace one another with love and forgiveness, and work together to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria,” the minister stated.
He further encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while extending acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the values of Ramadan and Eid.
On behalf of the Federal Government, Tunji-Ojo wished all Muslim faithful a joyous Eid Mubarak and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness and fulfilment to everyone.
JUST-IN: Ex-Oyo gov Ajimobi’s first child Bisola dies At 42
Busola, the first child of former Oyo Governor, late Abiola Ajimobi is dead.
The Nation gathered that Bisola, 42, died after a brief illness in the UK.
She was a Special Adviser to Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
She was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, with whom she shared blessed three children.
Former Senator Teslim Folarin confirmed the incident.
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He wrote on Facebook:
“I am deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi (Nee Ajimobi), the beloved daughter of my cousin, the late Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi, and former First Lady of Oyo State, Her Excellency (Dr.) Florence Ajimobi. Bisola’s untimely death has left an unfillable void in our hearts, and I can only imagine the pain of a parent burying their child.
“As someone who had the privilege of knowing Bisola as a dear family member – she was like a daughter to me – her passing has left me with a profound sense of personal loss.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ajimobi family, particularly former First Lady, H.E Florence Ajimobi . May God grant us the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May Bisola’s soul rest in perfect peace.”
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