The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the money laundering charges brought against former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke.

The charges were related to the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, commonly known as the Malabu Oil deal, during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Judge Inyang Ekwo upheld the “no-case submission” filed by Adoke after the conclusion of the prosecution’s case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A no-case submission requests the court to acquit the defendant without the need for them to present a defense, based on the presumption that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.

The ruling emphasized the lack of substantial evidence linking Adoke to the alleged offenses, leading to his discharge and acquittal.

However, the judge dismissed the no-case submission filed by Adoke’s co-defendant, Aliyu Abubakar, ordering Abubakar to present his defense in the trial.

This verdict aligns with a previous judgment by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja, which recently cleared Adoke of involvement in the alleged fraud.

The Malabu scandal, which underpinned the charges against Adoke, revolved around the transfer of approximately $1.1 billion by Shell and ENI through the Nigerian government to accounts controlled by former Nigerian petroleum minister, Dan Etete.

A significant portion of the funds ($520 million) purportedly ended up in accounts linked to companies allegedly controlled by Aliyu Abubakar.

The dismissal of charges against Adoke underscores the complexity and scrutiny surrounding high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, while also raising questions about the adequacy of evidence and legal procedures in such prosecutions.

Today, amidst anticipation and speculation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State is poised to select its gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming November 16 election.

With 171,922 certified delegates representing the 203 wards across the state, the decision carries significant weight, determining who will carry the party’s flag into the electoral contest.

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Among the aspirants vying for the APC ticket stands Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, the sole woman in the fray.

Hailing from the Arigidi Akoko area of the state, Waheed-Adekojo is a certified mechanical engineer.

Her candidacy represents a break from convention, embodying the spirit of empowered and accomplished women striving for political representation and leadership roles.

In a field dominated by male contenders, Waheed-Adekojo stands out as a symbol of resilience and determination, exemplifying the capabilities of Nigerian women in diverse spheres of society.

Her candidacy underscores the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in political decision-making processes, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for greater female participation in governance.

As delegates deliberate and cast their votes, the spotlight shines on Waheed-Adekojo as she endeavors to make history and secure the APC ticket.

Her presence in the gubernatorial race adds a dynamic dimension to the electoral landscape, offering voters an alternative choice and signaling a shift towards progressive and inclusive politics in Ondo State.

Regardless of the outcome, Waheed-Adekojo’s candidacy serves as a testament to the evolving role of women in Nigerian politics, inspiring future generations of female leaders to aspire to greater heights and pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.

Nyesom Wike’s faction in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is celebrating a resounding win with the endorsement of Amb. Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) during its 98th meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The move deals a blow to the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had sought Damagum’s return as Deputy National Chairman (North) to pave the way for a North Central candidate for the National Chairman position, left vacant by Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu.

In response, Atiku’s camp regroups to strategize a new plan.

PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the NEC meeting, emphasizing the party’s unity and adherence to its constitution.

He hints at upcoming activities, including the selection of new leadership within two months.

Damagum, speaking after the NEC meeting, downplays the significance of his position, stressing his commitment to the party regardless of his role.

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The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, while reading out the resolutions from the NEC meeting, highlighted the party’s resilience and condemnations of the ruling APC’s policies and actions.

NEC demands urgent actions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address insecurity and economic challenges, while also approving party congress timetables and reconstituting disciplinary and reconciliation committees.

The meeting extends the life of the Party Constitution Amendment Committee and praises the NWC’s efforts in rebranding the party, including the adoption of a new logo.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about adherence to constitutional provisions and conventions regarding party leadership positions, with calls for reconciliation and unity within the party.

Speaking, Damagum acknowledged the challenges faced during the 2023 general elections but praises the party’s legal team and supporters for their resilience.

Tensions flared at a public gathering in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as two commissioners from the current administration engaged in a physical altercation.

Eyewitnesses recounted the shocking scene where the commissioners, both recognized figures in their respective communities, openly exchanged blows without regard for onlookers.

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An eyewitness, speaking to Daily Gazette, expressed dismay over the incident: “I witnessed the entire altercation firsthand. It was completely unexpected. I’m not privy to the cause of their altercation, but this marks the fifth time they’ve been involved in such clashes.”

The brawl reportedly unfolded amidst a gathering for the defection of individuals into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ezza North.

The intensity of the altercation left an indelible mark on bystanders and underscored the embarrassment felt by community leaders and residents of Ebonyi State.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted for his involvement in economic and financial crimes.

According to a notice released on Thursday across the commission’s official social media platforms, Bello is sought after for offenses related to economic and financial misconduct totaling N80.2 billion.

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The EFCC urged individuals with any information regarding Bello’s whereabouts to report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.

Details shortly..

The Federal High Court in Kano has issued an injunction preventing executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganduje Ward, Dawaki Tofa Local Government Area, from taking further action regarding the suspension of APC national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman granted an interim order directing the respondents to refrain from implementing or enforcing Ganduje’s suspension.

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This decision came after an emergency meeting of the APC executive members of Ganduje Ward on April 15.

The injunction will remain in place pending the hearing and determination of Ganduje’s fundamental right of fair hearing filed before the court.

The court also instructed all parties to maintain the status quo before the emergency meeting and to abstain from any action related to the matter until a verdict is reached.

Justice Liman scheduled April 30 for the hearing in the case.

Ganduje’s legal representative, Jazuli Mustapha, submitted the application supported by an affidavit sworn to by Suleiman A. Suleiman.

Respondents in the lawsuit include Haladu Gwanjo, Nalami Mai AC, Muhammadu Baiti, Danmalam Gata, Musa Lado, Laminu Sani Barguna, Umar Sanda, Auwalu Galadima, and Abubakar Daudu.

The Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are named as respondents.

Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify an arrest warrant issued against him.

Represented by his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, Bello argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to issue the warrant.

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Mohammed made the submission before Justice Emeka Nwite during the scheduled arraignment of the ex-governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count money laundering charge.

The court had granted the EFCC’s request for a warrant following Bello’s failure to appear on Wednesday.

Justice Nwite ordered Bello’s appearance on Thursday for plea-taking.

Mohammed informed the court of a pending preliminary objection challenging the arrest warrant.

He also cited a High Court of Kogi’s order from February 9, restraining the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello.

The EFCC had appealed this order, with the matter set for hearing.

Mohammed argued that the EFCC’s procurement of the arrest warrant was an attempt to undermine the appellate court’s authority.

However, EFCC’s lawyer, Kehibde Pinhero, SAN, disagreed, asserting that Bello’s arraignment was on the day’s agenda. Pinhero contended that since Mohammed had appeared for Bello, the service of the warrant could proceed in court.

Pinhero emphasized that the warrant was necessary to ensure Bello’s presence in court, as previous attempts to serve him had failed.

The hearing is ongoing as of the time of reporting.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to April 23rd.

The adjournment aims to facilitate substituted service and potential arraignment of Bello over allegations of N84 billion money laundering.

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During the latest session, EFCC’s Counsel, Kemi Phinro, informed the court of Bello’s absence, attributing it to the protection provided by an individual with immunity.

Phinro disclosed that Bello was reportedly taken from his Abuja residence by the same individual with immunity.

Expressing concern over Bello’s evasion, Phinro hinted at the possibility of the EFCC seeking assistance from the military to apprehend him.