News
The EFCC has urged the court to deny bail to Yahaya Bello.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented a strong case against granting bail to Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, during a recent court hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama. Bello, currently embroiled in serious corruption charges, is accused of involvement in a monumental N110 billion fraud.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, the EFCC argued that Bello has demonstrated a pattern of non-compliance with court proceedings, having repeatedly failed to appear for his trial in connection with separate allegations before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. This absence raises legitimate concerns regarding his likelihood to honor future court obligations should bail be granted.
Bello’s legal counsel, prominent lawyer Joseph Daudu, SAN, contends that the former governor is entitled to the presumption of innocence, a fundamental legal principle safeguarding defendants until proven guilty. Daudu’s bail application, submitted shortly after Bello and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, posits that bail is necessary for the former governor to adequately prepare his defense. However, the prosecution rebutted this claim by asserting that the application was premature, as it was filed before the defendants had been formally arraigned before the court.
The charges against Bello include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and the possession of unlawfully acquired property, involving notable assets both domestically and internationally. Specific allegations detail the misuse of state funds to acquire multiple properties in Abuja and Dubai, alongside the transfer of substantial sums to foreign banks.
As the court deliberates on the bail request, the EFCC emphasizes the significance of ensuring the integrity of the judicial process and the necessity for defendants to remain accountable throughout the trial. The proceedings continue to unfold, underlining the gravity of the accusations facing Bello and the broader implications for governance and accountability in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
