Northern Emancipation tells EFCC to stop hunt for Yahaya Bello, says court must be obeyed

By Editor

The Northern Emancipation Network, NEN has called on calls on the EFCC to respect the rule of law and await the judgment from the Court of Appeal before taking any further action against Yahaya Bello. 

Urging EFCC to suspend its witch hunt for the former governor, chairman of the group, Suleiman Abba’s in a statement  condemned the recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in declaring former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello wanted.

Abba in his statement said: “The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) would like to address the recent declaration of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

“We believe that upholding the rule of law is essential in any democracy, and the circumstances surrounding Yahaya Bello's case demand a fair and just approach.

“The NEN expresses deep concern over the actions taken by the EFCC in declaring Yahaya Bello wanted. While we acknowledge the EFCC's authority to declare someone wanted, we believe that the unique circumstances of Yahaya Bello's case warrant a more cautious and respectful approach to the rule of law.

“It is important to note that Yahaya Bello sought legal recourse by going to court to prevent the EFCC from arresting him. A high court granted an interim order which restrained the EFCC from taking any further action. Subsequently, the EFCC appealed this decision to the Court of Appeal, resulting in a scheduled judgment set for Monday.

“Given the pending judgment from the Court of Appeal, it is perplexing why the EFCC would proceed to declare Yahaya Bello wanted. This action raises questions about the integrity of the legal process and the adherence to due process.

“While the arrest and interrogation are crucial steps in the investigative process, the filing of charges and subsequent court proceedings mark a significant shift in the legal journey of Yahaha Bello.

Once charges were filed, his interactions with the investigating authorities come to an end, as focus shifts to the court proceedings.

“This marks the formal beginning of the legal process, where the accused has the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations brought forth by the prosecuting authorities.

“Therefore, the arrest and interrogation of Yahaya Bello served as initial steps in the investigative process, while the filing of charges and court proceedings constitute a more structured and legalistic approach to addressing the allegations.

“ It is in the courtroom where his fate will be decided, and where his innocence or guilt will be determined based on the evidence presented and the arguments made by both sides.

“The NEN calls on the EFCC to respect the rule of law and await the judgment from the Court of Appeal before taking any further action against Yahaya Bello. Upholding the principles of justice and fairness is essential to maintaining the credibility of our legal system and ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

“We urge the EFCC to exercise restraint and adhere to the legal process in dealing with the case of Yahaya Bello. It is imperative that we uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their status or position. Let us work together to ensure that justice is served and that our democracy remains strong and resilient.”

AYCF tells EFCC to stop harassing Yahya Bello

By Editor

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respect the rule of law and halt the persecution, harassment and public embarrassment of the former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello.

Reacting to the recent declaration of Yahaya Bello as wanted by the EFCC, the AYCF President General Yerima Shettima noted that the fact that the EFCC has already charged Bello to court warrants that they show restraint and allow the law to take its due course as it presumes the conclusion of investigations.

According to Shettima, with this development, Bello no longer has anything to do with the EFCC and he only needs to appear in court on the next adjourned date or when he is served with the court processes.

"if EFCC actually believes in injustice, and   in the judiciary and in the court system, this is not the way to handle the matter.

"Besides, the charge sheet was from 2015, and was amended to 2016. Three weeks when Bello came into the office, you can see that something is fishing, which no one can say exactly what is happening," Shettima said. 

The AYCF said it is indeed curious that the EFCC is presenting Yahaya Bello as someone who is running from investigation and prosecution, especially considering the lack of concrete evidence to support such claims.

Bello's residence has been invaded, he has been declared wanted, and he has been placed on a watchlist, all without any indication as to whether or not he was ever invited by the EFCC for questioning.

"In the interest of transparency and fairness, it is imperative that the EFCC provide the public with the necessary information regarding Bello's alleged evasion of investigation. This includes releasing the invitation letter sent to Bello, detailing the date it was received and who received it. By doing so, the EFCC can ensure that all parties involved are aware of the facts and can make informed judgments based on concrete evidence.

"It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to operate with the utmost integrity and accountability. This includes providing accurate and timely information to the public, especially in high-profile cases such as this. By releasing the invitation letter to Yahaya Bello, the EFCC can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency in its investigations," Shettima said.

The AYCF is calling on the EFCC to respect the principles of justice, fairness, and due process. Targeting individuals for political reasons or personal vendettas undermines the credibility of the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria. Shettima stressed that if the EFCC truly believes in the judiciary and the court system, they must allow the legal process to unfold without unnecessary interference or intimidation.

The AYCF is urging the EFCC to reconsider their approach in handling the case of Yahaya Bello. The continued harassment and persecution of individuals, especially those in positions of authority, erode public trust in the fight against corruption.

 It is essential that the EFCC operates within the confines of the law and respects the rights of all individuals, including those under investigation. Let us uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served without bias or prejudice.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo youth warns EFCC against Yayha Bello’s arrest, says court order should be obeyed

By Editor

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to respect the subsisting court order with respect to the planned arrest of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello. 

It could be recalled that the EFCC had in the law a few days made an attempt to arrest the governor. 

However, the Bello’s media handlers say this was against an order of the Kogi State High Court, which granted injunction against the commission. 

The planned arrest is said to be contrary to a subsisting court order granted February 9, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello Vs. EFCC, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting him, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

The EFCC is said to have appealed the order in Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024, with the matter adjourned to 22nd day of April 2024.

In a statement made available to the media on Friday, the Public Relations Officer of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mr Chimaobi Ezejiofor said it was curious that the EFCC could not wait to exhaust the legal opportunities before clamping down on Bello. 

Ezejiofor said government agencies should be at the forefront of respect to the rule of law, stressing that “having submitted itself to the courts by filing an appeal as well a stay of execution, one had expected that the EFCC should respect the res, but in this case it chose to be take laws into its hands. 

“This should not be heard of any government agency, as it is suggestive of desperation and ill-motiveness.”

The group urged the commission to respect the sanctity of the courts by allowing the Appeal Court to determine the case one way or the other. 

He said, “it is trite in law that once a matter is in court, both parties should maintain status quo until it is decided one way or the other. This is what we expect from the EFCC as an agency of government. 

“The current action is tantamount to an assault on the rule of law and goes to show this could be a witch-hunt of some sort.

“Also, declaring the former governor wanted at this point over a matter that is before the Court of Appeal is not the right step to take. 

“We, therefore, urge the Commission to enable the law to run its course and not be in haste to the extent of offending the laws.”

Yahaya Bello: Yoruba Youth Council cautions EFCC not to jeopardize Democracy

By editor 

The Yoruba Youth Council has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to jeopardize Nigeria's hard-earned democracy in its attempt to arrest the immediate former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over allegations of money laundering.

It gave the caution against the background of threat by the commission on Thursday to involve the military in the planned arrest following the ex-governor's absence at his arraignment before a Federal High Court in Abuja on N80 billion money laundering charges.

In a statement by its National President, Comrade Eric Oluwole, the Council, which is an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths, said that drafting the military to resolve civil, criminal, or whatever cases between Nigerians and government agencies in a democracy would be sending wrong signals about the nation's commitment to the rule of law as applied in a Democracy.

Also, it cautioned the agency against taking the laws into its own hand in a case that was already in court awaiting determination.

It noted that an order of the Kogi State High Court granted on February 9, restraining the EFCC or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting the ex-governor pending the determination by the court, was still pending while the anti-graft body invaded his Abuja home, threatened to involve the military in arresting him, and declared him wanted 

Earlier on Wednesday, the  commission's attempt to arrest Bello in his Abuja home failed due to the presence of the incumbent Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo in the vicinity, who allegedly sneaked Bello

However, Bello's counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed, told the court on Thursday that his client was in Kogi State when EFCC operatives besieged his Abuja residence on Wednesday.

This was during the hearing of the alleged money laundering case against Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; Yahaya Bello, and one Daudu Suleiman

He said Bello was awaiting the judgment of a high court in the state, which restrained the anti-graft agency from arresting him when he learned that his Abuja residence had been invaded.

Oluwole said that whatever the circumstances, the EFCC or any other government agencies should never be tempted to in on the military in effecting the arrest of Nigerians under whatever guise, more so in a democracy

According to the statement: "As a responsible body, the EFCC, being a creation of the law under the Nigerian Constitution, is in order to invite or arrest any Nigerian for questioning in the course of performing its duties not in a hard way

"However, we do not support the threat on Thursday by the anti-graft agency to draft in the military in its effort to arrest Yahaya  Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State, on a court order, over allegations of money laundering.

"While we urge the EFCC agency, should not on the template bringing in the military to arrest Nigerians no matter the provocation.

"The consequences of drafting in the military to handle  ordinary civil, and even criminal cases in a democratic setting are unhealthy for our Democracy.

"The labours of our Country's Democracy heroes and forefathers, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should not be jeopardised.

"We call upon EFCC to handle the matter in a peaceful way as part of democracy. it should be a ministry of understanding in handling things, not in a war or hard way. "Oluwole, in its statement, said,"While we acknowledge the EFCC's mandate to combat corruption,"call upon them to uphold the rule of law throughout the entire process." 

The Yoruba Youth group emphasized the importance of due process and a fair trial for Yahaya Bello not to be intimated

The statement further recognizes the role of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a champion of Nigerian democracy,  expressing hope that Mr. Tinubu's experience can contribute to a peaceful resolution.

"We urged the EFCC to maintain a peaceful approach, open communication and understanding should guide this process, not forceful tactics."

Comrade Oluwole, therefore, called  for a swift and transparent resolution that upholds the law and strengthens Nigeria's democratic institutions.

Arewa Group Caution EFCC To Thread Softly Over Yahaya Bello

Yahya bello

By editor 

Worried by the current situation of unconfirmed allegations of corruption against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called on the anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to thread with caution.

The forum averred that the fact that the case is already in court awaiting determination, the anti graft agency should not take the laws into their hands, making all efforts to tarnish the image of the ex governor despite not being convicted of any offence.

In a statement by AYCF’s president , Alhaji Yerima Shetima, he said “We are worried on whose authority or interest the anti graft agency is carrying out their actions despite the disclosure by the Kogi State government that no money is missing .

The invasion of the former Governor's Abuja residence by the operatives was contrary to a subsisting court order granted February 9, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello Vs. EFCC, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting him, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

Despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

It is unfair that Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC decided to lay siege to the home of them former Governor seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

We perceive the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.

We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.

It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders. This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity because we are not in banana Republic  where anything goes.

AYCF therefore call on the EFCC to ensure that fundamental right of the ex Governor is respected to the later, we are watching with keen interest.

First lady launches North-West Renewed Hope Women Agric Support in Kebbi

By Editor

The First Lady of Nigeria and the wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has flagged-off the North-West Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme in Kebbi State.

Launching the programme, the wife of the president, who was represented by the wife of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, House of Representatives, Mrs Fatima Tajudden-Abbas, said the aim of the programme was to empower women and make them self-sufficient.

She said the 20 women for the seven states would benefit from the programme where each would collect 500,000.

"Our mother's initiative is a great initiative that will support women across the country, this programme will be flagged-off across the six geopolitical zones.

"Our goal is simple and passive, bringing individuals out of poverty, educating them and guiding them towards a better life for thier families,' she said.

In her remarks, the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Her Excellency, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris expressed joy over the programme, adding that the mission is to establish and maintain stability, peace, love and care in families and society through total transformation in the lives of women in the state and Nigeria at large.

She also thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir idirs for supporting her programme and policy, while promising to continue assisting the widows, orphans and less-privileges.

"As part of my effort I have been supporting women in the state, most especially on the issue of empowerment through cash, water pumping mechanes, sewing machines among others," she said.

Delivering his speech, the Kebbi State Governor, Comerade Dr Nasir Idris commended the wife of the president for initiating the renewed hope programme for women agricultural support.

He said that the programme would go a long way in reducing poverty amongst women in the state.

"Agriculture is indeed not just a sector of our economy, it is a way of life, a tradition that has been passed down through generations, women have always been the backbone of our agricultural industry, playing a crucial role in feeding our nation and the world at large," he said.

He also pointed out that empowering women in agriculture was not just the right thing to do, it was essential for the growth and sustainability of agricultural sector.

"Today as we gather to distribute empowerment to our women in agriculture, we are taking significant steps towards ensuring their continued success and prosperity. 

"I am proud to see the progress that has been made in empowering women in agriculture, and we will continue to invest in programmes and initiatives that will empower women, provide them with access to markets finance and technology and ensure their voices are heard and valued," he assured.

Eid: Gwandu Emir tasks parents on proper child upbringing

From Editor

The Emir of Gwandu, Rtd. Maj-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar has charged parents to be alive to their responsibility of proper upbringing of children.

Addressing Muslim Ummah shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayer at Eid Praying Ground in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the emir said the call became imperative in view of the increasing moral decadence in the society.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, he quoted the emir saying : "As parents, we must be alive to our responsibility, we must do our best to inculcate good moral virtues in our children, we must ensure that our children are properly mentored to become useful to themselves, the society and the nation at large."

The royal father enjoined his subjects to pray for leaders to succeed, insisting that leaders' success was a success for the entire people.

He also pleaded for consistent prayer for prevailing peace to reign across the state and across the nation, saying that peace remained the pillar of any meaningful development.

Iliyasu-Bashar encouraged people to sustain and reflect the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan in their daily lives towards bringing positive change in their lives.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam, Malam Umar Lawal-Junju urged people to maintain peace in their dealing with one another to ensure a decent society.

The prayer was attended by the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko-Sununu, Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Commissioners, Accountant General and other top Government functionaries.