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.
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Princess Opeyemi Bright was sworn in as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom, assuming the prestigious title of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham at the age of 29.
Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Princess Bright’s election has been widely lauded as a testament to diversity, youth empowerment, and the increasing global impact of the Nigerian diaspora. Having served as a councillor since the age of 22, her ascent to mayoralty follows a legacy of public service, with her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, previously serving as Civic Mayor of Hackney.
Princess Bright’s success exemplifies a broader trend of Nigerians achieving prominent positions in international governance, joining the ranks of figures like Kemi Badenoch and Chi Onwurah in the UK, and others globally. Her inauguration serves as an encouragement for youth engagement in politics and underscores the vital role young people and women play in shaping public life. This historic achievement offers valuable insights for Nigerian policymakers in diaspora engagement and leadership development initiatives.
Nollywood actress Mary Njoku has recently ignited a debate regarding the necessity of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for university admissions in Nigeria. In a statement posted on her Instagram story, Njoku questioned the need for JAMB and post-UTME, arguing that the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) should be sufficient proof of a candidate’s completion of secondary education.
Her statement comes amidst recent controversy surrounding JAMB, particularly following widespread reports of mass failures in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). While JAMB has admitted to errors and announced retakes for affected candidates, Njoku’s questioning highlights a deeper concern regarding the redundancy and potential inefficiencies within the current university admission process. The actress’s comments add fuel to an existing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the JAMB examination in evaluating a student’s readiness for tertiary education.
South African sensation Tyla is poised to make history as the first African personality to host the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Organizers announced the Grammy-winning artist as the host of the 2025 edition, scheduled to air live on June 21st from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Beyond hosting duties, Tyla has also secured two nominations: Favourite Global Music Star and Favourite Music Collaboration for “Show Me Love” with WizTheMc, and “bees & honey.”
The nominations list is topped by Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga, each receiving four nods. Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Jelly Roll, and Jack Black follow closely behind with three nominations apiece.
Expressing her excitement on X, Tyla simply stated, “I’m really about to host the kids choice awards.” This landmark achievement further solidifies Tyla’s rising star on the global stage.
Princess Opeyemi Bright Inaugurated as Youngest UK Mayor.
Nollywood Actress Questions JAMB’s Relevance in University Admissions.
Tyla to Host 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Queen Phinadon Honored at the Cultural Exhibition and Award Ceremony 202
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World Set for Theatrical Release
Nigeria’s SEC Grants Approvals to Crypto Operators: A Step Towards Regulation and Acceptance
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