The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Darius Ishaku, a former governor of Taraba State, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on charges related to fraud.

Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary in the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

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The two are facing a 15-count charge, including allegations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and the diversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

One of the key charges against them is the alleged diversion of N1.138 billion from the 2.5% contingency fund belonging to the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs between July 2015 and May 2019.

The EFCC claimed that the defendants committed criminal breach of trust under sections 315 and 308 of the Penal Code Act, applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.

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Both Ishaku and Yero pleaded not guilty to the charges. In response, the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), requested a trial date and an expedited hearing of the case.

Meanwhile, defense counsels, Paul Haris Ogbole (SAN) and Oluwa Damilola Kayode, representing Ishaku and Yero respectively, made oral applications for bail, which Jacobs opposed, calling for formal written applications instead.

Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji adjourned the case until Thursday, October 3, 2024, for the hearing of the bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody pending the next hearing.

Darius Ishaku

Social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, issued an apology to renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Monday for his recent comments linking the senior lawyer to bribery allegations involving crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

VeryDarkMan appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, where he clarified that he did not believe Falana was involved in the alleged bribery scandal involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

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In his statement, he said, “It’s unfortunate that Femi Falana’s name came up in that audio. I never believed he was involved, and I regret any insinuation otherwise. I apologize for the harm it may have caused.”

The influencer had previously shared an audio clip in which Bobrisky claimed to have bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against her.

In the same recording, Bobrisky alleged that with the help of her “godfather” and the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, she was allowed to serve a six-month sentence in a private residence instead of prison.

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VeryDarkMan also called for an investigation into the claims made by Bobrisky, stating that his intention was not to defame Falana but to seek justice.

He further alleged that Falana sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for N10 million.

However, Falana’s legal team, in a letter dated September 25, 2024, signed by Taiwo E. Olawanle of Falana & Falana’s Chambers, firmly denied the accusations.

The letter stated that Falana never had any discussions with Bobrisky regarding a presidential pardon or any related matters.

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The National Coordinating Council of the Obidients Movement, under the Labour Party (LP), has announced the successful registration of over 22 million voters in Nigeria’s northwest region.

According to Yunusa Tanko, the interim national coordinator of the movement, a total of 22,672,373 voters were registered across the seven states of the northwest zone.

Tanko made this revelation during the launch of the Obidient Movement’s voter registration advocacy in Kano.

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He explained that the movement emerged as a response to the widespread dissatisfaction with governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration following the 2019 elections.

The Obidient Movement, which has gained significant momentum, rallied behind the presidential candidacy of Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti-Baba Ahmad, during the 2023 elections.

Tanko noted that the movement attracted millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth, from various backgrounds and regions who united in their desire for change.

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He said, “With 12.5 million Obidients registered within a few weeks and the number growing daily, we faced coordination challenges during the 2023 elections but still managed to make a significant impact, despite the official results.”

Tanko highlighted that the northwest zone, which includes Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, is the most populous zone in Nigeria, with over 22 million registered voters out of the national total of 96 million.

Despite this large voter base, the region remains underdeveloped and grapples with widespread poverty and insecurity, which he said must be urgently addressed.

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He stressed that the movement’s new focus is on consolidating its organization to create a stronger and more coordinated effort moving forward.

Tanko also called on Obidients across the northwest to participate in the registration process, which he said is vital for achieving their collective goal of better governance and improving the future of the nation.

Tanko concluded by urging all members of the Obidient Movement to work together to overcome the challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, and to strive for a brighter future for all citizens.

Philip Shaibu, the recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, embarked on an inspection tour of several ongoing state projects on Monday, including the multi-billion naira Radisson Blu hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), the reconstruction of Okada Avenue, and parts of Central Road.

This comes amid a prolonged rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Addressing the media during his tour, Shaibu emphasized that he was ready to resume his constitutional duties, brushing aside lingering concerns over his reinstatement.

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He stated, “I have since resumed work, and the question of reinstatement should no longer be a topic. The court has ruled, and now it’s time to move forward.”

When questioned about his strained relationship with Governor Obaseki, Shaibu expressed his willingness to work with the governor but indicated that the reverse may not be the case.

He clarified, “The office of the Deputy Governor is not under the Governor; it’s a constitutionally established position with its own responsibilities. I am here to fulfill those responsibilities.”

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Shaibu also took a jab at critics, particularly those he described as “in exile,” stating that their opinions should be disregarded unless they return to engage directly.

He noted, “People should ignore those who release press statements from exile. We are on the ground, working.”

In the coming weeks, Shaibu announced plans to continue inspections across Edo State’s three senatorial districts, starting with Edo South.

He highlighted the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for the next administration, stressing, “It’s important to hand over properly to the next sheriff in town.”

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However, in response to Shaibu’s actions, the Edo State Government issued a cautionary statement. Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects, warned Shaibu against overstepping his bounds.

The statement read, “While the Deputy Governor, like any private citizen, is free to visit the state’s ongoing projects, he must ensure his actions remain within the law.”

The government also urged Shaibu to remain patient while awaiting the outcome of his appeal case, asserting that all actions must align with the rule of law to maintain order in the state.

As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to deliver a nationwide address at 7am on October 1, 2024.

This announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Monday.

Onanuga explained that the broadcast is a key event in the series of activities marking the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

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He also urged television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets to connect with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

This will be President Tinubu’s first address to the nation since the #EndBadGovernance protest in August.

Heavy security has been deployed at the Edo State Government House (Osadebe Avenue) amid reports that Philip Shaibu is attempting to resume his position as Deputy Governor.

Shaibu was impeached by the Edo House of Assembly during a turbulent period in his relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

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He subsequently challenged the impeachment in court, claiming that he was not given a fair hearing.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J. K. Omotosho, annulled the impeachment and ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement.

However, the state government has not complied with the ruling, stating that it has filed for a stay of execution.

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On Monday morning, civil servants and visitors were seen trekking long distances to their destinations after having to park their vehicles at a distance, as only security vehicles were allowed unhindered access to Osadebe Avenue.

A civil servant, who requested anonymity, expressed surprise at the heavy security presence around the government house.

On Sunday, Crusoe Osagie, the spokesperson for Governor Obaseki, issued a statement alleging that Shaibu had devised plans to invade the Government House to enforce his “purported” reinstatement, despite the pending stay of execution appeal.

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Osagie urged the Inspector General of Police and concerned citizens to intervene and prevent Shaibu’s alleged “devious plot,” warning that it could lead to chaos.

“We wish to alert the Inspector General of Police regarding intelligence about a planned move by Shaibu to forcibly enter the Edo State Government House in an attempt to enforce Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling,” Osagie stated.

He added, “The stay of execution is still pending at the Court of Appeal, and we implore the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the state does not descend into anarchy due to one man’s ambition. The last time Shaibu attempted this, it resulted in the death of a police officer—a tragedy we must prevent from happening again.”

In response, Shaibu’s spokesperson, Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, dismissed the allegations, asserting that Governor Obaseki has yet to realize that they have been rejected by the people of Edo State.

Musa stated, “Let it be clear that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace-loving individual who believes in the rule of law and would never resort to violence. In the eyes of the law and the people of Edo State, Philip Shaibu remains the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor. We do not need to fight or struggle for what is rightfully ours.”