Just in: Yahaya Bello not with us, he remains wanted – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is not in its custody.

On Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, said the former governor had “honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

Michael said Bello made the decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

But in a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the anti-graft agency said Bello remains wanted.

“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,” the statement reads.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

On April 18, the EFCC declared Bello wanted after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him.

Prior to this, the former governor failed to appear in court to defend the allegations made against him by the anti-graft agency.

The commission also asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.

We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again stated that it’s illegal and unconstitutional for Julius Abure to continue portraying himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The commission said it does not recognise Abure and other national working committee members of the party because their tenure expired in June 2024.

INEC’s position was contained in a counter affidavit filed in response to the Labour Party’s suit challenging its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

INEC asserted that the Labour Party’s leadership, including Abure, is now invalid, and the Commission did not recognise the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which claimed to re-elect Abure as chairman.

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INEC insisted that the convention violated the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act, stressing that it only engages with parties that have valid and subsisting leadership.

In a written address in support of the counter affidavit, INEC’s legal team, led by Tanko Inuwa, SAN, argued that the Labour Party’s suit is seeking declaratory reliefs, which cannot be granted as a matter of course or based on mere admissions.

They contended that the Labour Party must succeed on the strength of its case, even in the face of admissions.

The Commission’s lawyers further submitted that having failed to comply with the extant legal frameworks in conducting its national convention; the Labour Party does not have a valid leadership that INEC can engage.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that the Labour Party is not entitled to the reliefs sought.

We no longer recognise Abure as Labour Party chairman – INEC

Why Lagos govt sealed Cubana Chief priest’s food outlet – Commissioner

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed Donald’s Fast Food, a restaurant owned by Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chiefpriest, due to persistent noise pollution and environmental violations.

The fast food outlet, located on Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki 1, was closed by LASEPA after failing to comply with environmental regulations despite several warnings and abatement notices.

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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure on Sunday via his social media handle, stating: “After several warnings and abatement notices, LASEPA sealed Donald’s Fast Food on Adebayo Doherty Street, Lekki 1 over noise pollution and other environmental infractions.”

Why Lagos govt sealed Cubana Chief priest’s food outlet – Commissioner