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EFCC witness exonerates Yahaya Bello, others on property in EFAB company
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory High Court was on Wednesday told that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and two others standing trial it never paid for property purchase at the EFAB Company.
A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Segun Adeleke also informed the court that EFAB company has no records of transactions with the former governor and his co-defendants.
Adeleke who is General Manager of EFAB Property Limited made the clarifications during the resumption of the case between the EFCC on one side and Yahaya Bello, Umar Shuaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on the other side.
When the case was called, on Wednesday, for continuation of hearing, Adeleke who is the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, told the court that he had no dealings with the three defendants throughout the transactions on the property at the centre of examination.
When asked by Yahaya Bello’s lawyer, Mr J. B Daudu SAN to also confirm if the names of the defendants appeared on any of the transaction documents, the witness said he did not know any of the three defendants.
“This is the first time I am seeing His Excellency (Yahaya Bello) in person, although I have seen him before in print and electronic media but not in any transaction,” he stressed.
The First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Fabian Nwora, had also confirmed to the court that none of the three defendants in the case paid money into the account of his company, Efab Property Limited.
Nwora, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said he knows the former governor, but maintained that his name did not feature in the transaction being referred to.
He said he opened negotiations on the said property with one Sheu Bello but that the negotiations were concluded by Segun Adeleke, who is the EFCC’s second witness (PW2).
Nwora had, at a previous hearing, testified that he was invited to the EFCC on February 8, 2023, regarding a transaction between Shehu Bello and EFAB Property on a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, noting that it was the said Shehu that approached him for the property.
Adeleke, the PW2, while being examined by the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, reiterated that, in 2020, his chairman, Nwora, gave him the brief of the property, which Shehu Bello showed interest in.
He said the deal was concluded and N500 million paid for the said property.
When the prosecution lawyer asked what happened afterwards, the witness said Shehu Bello returned to their office, with the agreement, to tell his chairman that he was no longer interested in the property as a result of EFCC investigation.
“My Chairman said he would revert after consulting with our Company Secretary,” he stated.
The EFCC lawyer also asked about some documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed with respect to a property in the Gwarinpa area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The witness confirmed that the documents were issued to the said Nuhu Muhammed after he purchased one of the units of the detached bungalows.
At that point, the Defence Counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, objected, saying, “My lord, there is a clear disconnect between the documents sought to be tendered and the foundation laid by the witness himself.”
The Prosecution, however, said the objection was misconceived and it was subsequently overruled by the Judge.
Responding, while being cross-examined by the Defence Counsel, the witness confirmed that he had testified to a similar evidence at the Federal High Court before Justice Emeka Nwite.
He admitted that he was brought into the transaction after the processed had commenced, that he did not initiate it.
Daudu, SAN, told the witness that while giving evidence before Justice Nwite, he had said that funds for the said property at Gwarinpa were transferred at once.
He added that he had now contradicted himself before Justice Anenih by saying it was done in two tranches.
The witness said it was in two tranches and that he had receipts, but admitted later that he did not know the Nuhu Muhammed.
Another witness, on subpoena, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, tendered the statement of account of Kogi State Government House, along with the Certificate of Identification.
The defence counsel said they would speak to the document appropriately in the course of the trial.
Justice Maryann Anenih thereafter adjourned the case to October 8, 9, and November 12, 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive
By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials
By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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