Category: Law and Crime

  • Nigerian nurses facing examination fraud probe asked to leave UK

    Nigerian nurses facing examination fraud probe asked to leave UK

    The United Kingdom’s Home Office has revoked the visas of several Nigerian nurses under investigation for alleged examination fraud, ordering them to leave the country.

    According to Nursing Times, the affected nurses are still awaiting the outcomes of their appeals. However, they have received official letters from the Home Office instructing them to leave the UK starting next week.

    The deportation order follows an ongoing probe by the UK’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) into suspected malpractice at Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Nigeria. The investigation, which began in 2023, was triggered after the NMC detected “anomalous data” in the computer-based test (CBT) for foreign nurses seeking UK registration.

    The CBT is a crucial part of the UK’s nursing qualification process and is typically taken in applicants’ home countries. After reviewing the data, the NMC determined that 48 registered nurses and 669 applicants might have obtained their test results fraudulently. As a result, the NMC declared all test results from the Yunnik centre invalid.

    The affected individuals were set to have their cases assessed by an independent panel to determine whether fraud was committed. However, in February 2025, around 50 of them issued a pre-action protocol letter to the NMC, alleging that their hearings were being “deliberately” delayed.

    They also urged the NMC to collaborate with the Home Office to allow them to remain in the UK while their appeals were under review. Despite these requests, the Home Office has now taken steps to enforce their departure.

  • Alleged attempted murder: Absence of defendant stalls trial of 20 tanker drivers

    Alleged attempted murder: Absence of defendant stalls trial of 20 tanker drivers

    Abuja— The trial of 20 former leaders of Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, was stalled at a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court due to the absence of a defendant, Adamu Ibrahim.

    Ibrahim was said to be in custody of Calabar prison.

    The former chairman, Lucky Osesua and others, are being prosecuted in the charge, marked: FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, before Justice Yusuf Halilu.

    They were charged with attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.
    Also charged with Osesua are Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna, Akinolu Olabisi, Godwin Nwaka, Tiamiu Sikiru, Abdulmimin Shaibu and John Amajuoyi.

    Others are Adamu Ibrahim, Zaira Aregbo, Patrick Erhivwor, Stephen Ogheneruemu, Gift Ukponku, Sunday Ezeocha and seven others.
    The defendants were alleged to have attacked the NUPENG National President, Mr. Wiliams Akporeha, the Union’s Secretary-General, Olawale Afolabi and the new PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon, thus acting in a manner likely to cause death.They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The prosecution counsel, informed the court that Ibrahim was not present in court.

    The lead counsel for all the defeie, SAN, informed the court that Ibrahim was in custody at CalaCross River State.
    He said he Ibrahim had a domestic issue and noted that Ibrahim’s bail was being sorted out in Calabar.

    Kaswe then told the court that the prosecution was ready to go on with the trial in the absence of the 19th defendant.
    He urged the court to activate the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015 to proceed with the case in Ibrahim’s absence.

    Justice Halilu, however, said that the court noted that at the last sitting, Ibrahim was present in court.

    The judge said in the interest of justice, the 19th defendant should be given one last chance to appear for his trial, failure of which the court proceed with the matter in his absence.

    Based on agreement of parties, Justice Halilu subsequently adjourned until May 19, for definite hearing.

  • 3 Sales ladies docked over alleged N24.5m theft

    3 Sales ladies docked over alleged N24.5m theft

    Three sales ladies, Olamide Efuntade, Nofisat Hammed and Aliyat Adio have been arraigned before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Yaba, over alleged conspiracy and stealing of the total sum of N24. 5 million.

    The three sales ladies were arraigned by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, ForceCID, Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, from the Legal and Prosecution Department of the Force CID, told the count that the trio committed the offences between year 2024 and March 9, 2025, at 27, Nollah Street, Abaranje Road, Ikotun, Lagos State.

    The stolen monies were said to belong to one Mrs. Adenike Adelanwa, whom the three defendants were working for.

  • Gangs of Lagos: Court orders producers to apologise for misrepresentation of culture

    Gangs of Lagos: Court orders producers to apologise for misrepresentation of culture

    LAGOS — A Lagos State High Court, yesterday, ruled in favour of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union in its case against Amazon Web Services and the creators of the controversial movie, Gangs of Lagos, mandating a public apology for misrepresenting the Eyo Festival and Isale-Eko community.

    Following the film’s release on Amazon Prime Video, members of the Isale-Eko community expressed outrage, arguing that the movie distorted their cultural heritage and portrayed their people in a negative light.

    The case filed under Suit No: LD/6903GCM/2023, challenged the depiction of the Eyo Masquerade and its significance.

    Presiding over the matter, Justice Idowu Alakija approved the Terms of Settlement, reached by the parties in the suit.

    As part of the ruling, the producers of Gangs of Lagos (Respondents 3-11) must issue a public apology, acknowledging the film’s misrepresentation of the Eyo Masquerade and its disrespect toward the peaceful traditions of the Isale-Eko people.

    Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited (Respondent 12) is also required to release an official apology on its letterhead, recognizing the Isale-Eko Descendants Union’s concerns.

    Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, hailed the ruling as a milestone in protecting Nigeria’s indigenous heritage.

    Kazeem also called on national and state film regulators to enforce stricter censorship measures, ensuring that future portrayals of Nigerian culture, especially in films released on global streaming platforms are accurate and respectful.

  • FCT police neutralise wanted kidnap kingpin Dogo Saleh

    FCT police neutralise wanted kidnap kingpin Dogo Saleh

    Operatives of the FCT Police Command have neutralized a notorious bandit, Salisu Mohammed, alias Dogo Saleh, who had been terrorizing residents, following an intense counter-kidnapping operation aimed at dismantling a syndicate responsible for violent crimes.

    “The killing of the notorious kidnapper whose gang mostly operates along the Kaduna – Lokoja – Enugu highway and within the FCT is a major breakthrough in its relentless fight against criminal elements terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states. In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation”, the Police said.

    The Command said, “On March 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led operatives to block their access routes.

    “After meticulous tracking, the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest while he was en route to Bwari Area Council, FCT.

    “Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was identified as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders operating in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State.

    “He had terrorized communities along major highways, kidnapping unsuspecting victims and extorting huge ransoms.

    “During the operation, he attempted to evade capture, abandoning his possessions, which included: one AK-49 rifle with two magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and N3,000,000 cash proceeds from previous kidnappings

    “Further investigations revealed his direct involvement in several high-profile kidnappings and killings, including Kyauta Village, Chikun LGA (two years ago), two individuals, including a security officer, kidnapped. Ransom collected: Millions of Naira and the officer was later killed.

    At Kike Village, one year ago, he was involved in the kidnap of a security officer’s wife, and collected collected: millions of naira ransom.

    “Involved in kidnap of three individuals, 5 months ago at Bagada Village (five months where millions of naira ransom were collected

    “Involved in kidnapping of two men at a village near Kaduna Refinery one year ago, and collected millions of naira ransom, as well as the kidnapping one one victim, a year ago at Karuga Village, Chikun LGA, Kaduna, collect ed millions of naira ransom

    “Involved in kidnapping of persons at Bagado Village, Chikun LGA eleven months ago and collected millions of naira ransom, kidnappings at Dan-Bushiya Village two years ago and collected: millions of nairavas ransom.

    “Furthermore, he was involved in kidnapping of a woman and her two children at Police Quarters in Baban Saural, Chikun LGA. The officer and her children remain in captivity.

    “Involved in attack on security outpost at Kujama Market, Kaduna recently, on January 5, 2025, during which two security personnel were killed and their firearms stolen.”

    The Police added that “Salisu Mohammed and his gang were actively involved in kidnapping motorists along the Lokoja – Enugu highway.

    “Led by his gang leader, Kanaboro, alongside Saleh and Abubakar, they recently kidnapped a tribal youth leader and others, collecting ransom before their release.

    Other members of the gang so far neutralized according to the Police are Boka, the overall commander, his deputy, Sharmi, his assistant, Dogo Isa, another assistant, Gudan, who all operated a sub-camp each for detention of victims in the forest.

    Continuing, the Police said, “The gang is loyal to Dogo Gide and collaborates with the Ansaru terrorist group for arms and ammunition supply.

    “On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14 pm, leveraging intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives launched a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang.

    “The suspect led the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, led by one Abdu Musa, alias “Kanabaro,” had established a major hideout.

    “Upon arrival, the Police team was ambushed by armed bandits attempting to free the suspect. The operatives swiftly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, displaying superior tactical expertise and resilience.

    “The bandits were ultimately overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with severe gunshot wounds.

    “The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds inflicted by his own gang during the crossfire. He was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

    “The bandits’ hideout was successfully dislodged. One officer, Inspector of the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries and has since been treated and discharged. No other casualties were recorded.

    “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, has commended the officers involved in the operation for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency.

    He assured residents that operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing gang members and dismantle all criminal networks operating within the region.

  • Former Philippine president Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity

    Former Philippine president Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity

    Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested Tuesday in Manila by police acting on an International Criminal Court warrant tied to his deadly war on drugs.

    The 79-year-old faces a charge of “the crime against humanity of murder”, according to the ICC, for a crackdown that rights groups estimate killed tens of thousands of mostly poor men, often without proof they were linked to drugs.

    “Early in the morning, Interpol Manila received the official copy of the warrant of the arrest from the ICC,” the presidential palace said in a statement.

    “As of now, he is under the custody of authorities.”

    The statement added that “the former president and his group are in good health and are being checked by government doctors”.

    But Duterte demanded to know the basis of his arrest in a video posted to his youngest daughter Veronica’s Instagram account following his detention.

    “So what is the law and what is the crime that I committed? Show to me now the legal basis of my being here,” he said in the video.

    “I was brought here not of my own volition but somebody else’s … you have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty.”

    While no location was given for the video, a photo released by his political party said he was being held at the Villamor Air Base next to Manila airport.

    Duterte’s former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, called the arrest “unlawful”.

    “The (Philippine National Police) didn’t allow one of his lawyers to meet him at the airport and to questionthe legal basis for PRRD’s arrest,” he said, adding a hard copy of the ICC warrant had not been provided.

    Reactions from those who opposed to the drug war, however, were jubilant.

    One group that worked to support mothers of those killed in the crackdown called the arrest a “very welcome development”.

    “The mothers whose husbands and children were killed because of the drug war are very happy because they have been waiting for this for a very long time,” Rubilyn Litao, coordinator for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, told AFP.

    “Now that Duterte has been arrested, (President) Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should make sure that he is actually delivered to the ICC for detention and trial,” said Philippine rights alliance Karapatan, calling the arrest “long overdue”.

    Human Rights Watch also called on the government to “swiftly surrender (Duterte) to the ICC”, saying the arrest was a “critical step for accountability in the Philippines”.

    – A winding path –

    Duterte’s Tuesday morning arrest at Manila’s international airport followed a brief trip to Hong Kong.

    Speaking to thousands of overseas Filipino workers there Sunday, the former president decried the investigation, labelling ICC investigators “sons of whores” while saying he would “accept it” if an arrest were to be his fate.

    The Philippines quit the ICC in 2019 on Duterte’s instructions, but the tribunal maintained it had jurisdiction over killings before the pullout, as well as killings in the southern city of Davao when Duterte was mayor, years before he became president.

    It launched a formal inquiry in September 2021, only to suspend it two months later after Manila said it was re-examining several hundred cases of drug operations that led to deaths at the hands of police, hitmen and vigilantes.

    The case resumed in July 2023 after a five-judge panel rejected the Philippines’ objection that the court lacked jurisdiction.

    Since then, the Marcos government has on numerous instances said it would not cooperate with the investigation.

    But Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Office Claire Castro on Sunday said that if Interpol would “ask the necessary assistance from the government, it is obliged to follow”.

    Duterte is still hugely popular among many in the Philippines who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force.

    He is running to reclaim his job as mayor of his stronghold Davao in May’s mid-term election.

    Charges have been filed locally in a handful of cases related to drug operations that led to deaths — only nine police have been convicted for slaying alleged drug suspects.

    A self-professed killer, Duterte instructed police to fatally shoot narcotics suspects if their lives were at risk and insisted the crackdown saved families and prevented the Philippines from turning into a “narco-politics state”.

    At the opening of a Philippine Senate probe into the drug war in October, Duterte said he offered “no apologies, no excuses” for his actions.

    “I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” he said.

  • Police detain two Pakistani nationals, others for alleged kidnapping, crimes

    Police detain two Pakistani nationals, others for alleged kidnapping, crimes

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained 2 Pakistani nationals among other criminal suspects for various offences committed between Feb. 27 to date.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.

    Hundeyin stated that among those arrested were two Pakistani nationals who kidnapped their fellow countryman and demanded a ransom of N50 million.

    “On March 5, a distress call was received at Ikeja that a 48-year-old Pakistani had been kidnapped by seven other Pakistani nationals.

    “He was lured to Lagos from Kano under the pretext that they got a job for him as a chef.

    “The victim, who innocently arrived in Lagos on Feb. 28, was received at the airport by the suspects.

    “However, on March 1, the suspects visited the victim where he was lodged; they overpowered him and tied his hands and legs.

    “They robbed him of $2000, three Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, his green card, driver’s licence and National Identity Number slip.

    “Thereafter, they demanded a ransom of N50 million from the victim’s boss in Kano, who reportedly paid N1 million to the suspects, ” he said.

    The spokesperson stated that upon receiving the report, operatives of the command raided the location where the victim was being held.

    “He was successfully rescued unharmed and apprehended two suspects, aged 19 and 28, while five others escaped.”

    Hundeyin added that a Toyota Camry with registration number EDO-SGD-AE was recovered from the suspects.

    According to him, effort is being intensified to arrest other suspects.

    The CSP also said that the police had detained a 35-year-old suspected cultist for allegedly shooting a disc jockey (DJ) dead at a hotel in the Abule-Ado area.

    He stated that the shooting occurred at
    9:30 p.m. on Saturday on Community Road, Abule-Ado.

    “The suspect and others, still at large, stormed the hotel, shot the DJ on stage, and inflicted machete cuts on him,” Hundeyin said.

    He said police operatives responded swiftly and pursued the attackers as they fled toward Festac and were apprehended.

    “While escaping, he was found in possession of a locally made shotgun with one live cartridge, which was recovered by the police,” he said.

    Hundeyin said that on March 8, the command also apprehended two suspects for alleged murder.

    “On March 8, a report was received that a 25-year-old victim allegedly engaged two others in a fight at NPA Road, Victoria Island.

    “In the process, the said victim sustained severe injury, and he was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, Marina, for treatment, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

    “Based on the report, detectives of the command promptly visited the scene and arrested the two suspects who engaged the deceased in the fight that led to his death.

    “Investigation is in progress,” he said.

    He said on March 7, police rescued three kidnap victims.

    “The three victims were found in a forest on the Lekki-Epe expressway. They went to inspect land to build an airport in Lekki; as they were about to enter their car, five kidnappers came out to kidnap them.

    “The anti-kidnapping unit swung into action; the kidnappers had no choice but to abandon their victims and flee,” he said.

    The image maker said that there was a case of human trafficking that happened in Isheri-Osun.

    “A woman reached out to the police that she had been kidnapped; the police got to the apartment and broke into it. A total number of 27 foreigners were found in the apartment.

    “Investigation revealed that they were lured into the country with the guise of getting them jobs,” he said.

    Hundeyin said that a man went to deliver a product and was kidnapped at Iyana-Isashi.

    “On getting there to deliver the items, the door was opened, and she was dragged in by a man and a woman.

    “They stripped her, beat her up and took her nude pictures, and asked her to pay N2 million, or the pictures will be leaked.

    “She was able to give them N300,000 and promised to pay the rest, but they threatened to release the pictures if she did not pay the balance.

    “She reached out to the police, and the two suspects were apprehended,” he said.

    The spokesperson said that on March 8, a team of operatives of the command apprehended a notorious cultist and recovered exhibits.

    “The police, while on stop and search duty at Fagba Junction, Iju, apprehended a 26-year-old notorious cultist.

    “The suspect has been on the police wanted list for cult-related killings for some time while others escaped.

    “Upon searching the suspect,
    Some wraps of illicit drugs were recovered.

    “Meanwhile, effort is ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects,” he said.

  • Four drug kingpins jailed for 95 years over N4.6bn narcotics trafficking

    Four drug kingpins jailed for 95 years over N4.6bn narcotics trafficking

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured a total of 95 years in prison for four convicted drug kingpins—Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi, Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (a.k.a Don), and Zidon Zurga—for trafficking cocaine and skunk worth over N4.6 billion.

    The Federal High Courts in Lagos and Yola, Adamawa State handed down the sentences following separate convictions.

    NDLEA operatives arrested Ogbuji Christian Ifeanyi at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on September 18, 2024, during an inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers arriving from Addis Ababa. He was caught importing 817 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19.40 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N4.65 billion.

    This was just 16 months after he had previously been arrested and convicted for ingesting 93 pellets of cocaine.

    Ogbuji was first arrested on May 10, 2023, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after arriving from Uganda via Addis Ababa. He was found to have ingested 1.986 kg of cocaine.

    He was convicted on July 13, 2023, by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/192/2023) and sentenced to two years imprisonment or a N3 million fine, which he paid to secure his release.

    Undeterred, Ogbuji was re-arrested at Lagos Airport on September 18, 2024, with a larger cocaine consignment.

    He was arraigned before Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos (Charge No: FHC/L/845C) on January 16, 2025 and sentenced on February 28, 2025 to:

    Five years imprisonment on Count One, with an option of a N7 million fine

    Ten years imprisonment on Count Two, without an option of a fine.

    If he fails to pay the N7 million fine, he will serve a total of 15 years in prison.

    The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monetary exhibits and other items found on him at the time of his arrest.

    Iloduba Augustine Chinonye, 51, was arrested on December 31, 2021, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for ingesting 58 wraps of cocaine.

    He excreted 48 wraps while in transit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and expelled the remaining 10 while in NDLEA custody after his arrest on January 1, 2022.

    He was arraigned before Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Enugu (Charge No: FHC/EN/CR/18/2022).

    After three years of diligent prosecution, Iloduba was convicted and sentenced on March 5, 2025, to:

    Five years imprisonment on each count, totaling 10 years in jail, to run concurrently from the date of his conviction.

    Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (a.k.a Don) and Zidon Zurga’s Case

    Shuaibu Nuhu Isa (55) and Zidon Zurga (50) were arrested on November 25, 2024, along the Numan-Yola Road, Adamawa State.

    They were caught transporting 500.8 kg of skunk concealed in:

    A Toyota Hilux (Lagos NT 829 AAA)

    A Prado SUV with a fake Presidency number plate (01B-266 FG)

    They were arraigned before Justice Bala Usman of the Federal High Court, Yola (Charge No: FHC/YL/150/2024).

    On February 7, 2025, they were convicted and sentenced to:

    35 years imprisonment each on two counts, totaling 70 years combined

    An alternative fine of N25 million each

    The court also ordered the interim forfeiture of both vehicles used for drug trafficking.

    NDLEA Chairman Commends Judiciary and NDLEA Commands

    Reacting to the convictions, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the trial courts and the investigative teams at MMIA, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and Adamawa State Commands for their diligence and professionalism.

    “The convictions and the forfeiture of the convicts’ instruments of crime will further strengthen the deterrent effect of our ongoing efforts to completely dismantle drug networks in Nigeria,” Marwa stated.

  • Alleged N80.2bn fraud: Court adjourns ex-Gov Bello’s trial to May 8

    Alleged N80.2bn fraud: Court adjourns ex-Gov Bello’s trial to May 8

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, adjourned further hearing on the 19-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to March 8.

    Trial Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned to rule on EFCC’s opposition to the admissibility of a judgement of an Abuja High Court relating to an allegation that the ex-governor had, through proxies, wired funds into the account of American International School to cover for future tuition fees of his four children.

    The anti-graft agencies alleged that the funds were drawn from the coffers of the Kogi State Government, adding that the defendant also paid for a fifth child he has not given birth to.

    However, at the resumed proceeding in the matter on Friday, the defence counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, sought to tender a copy of the judgement which was said to have quashed the allegation.

    Daudu, SAN, applied to tender the document from the Bar shortly after the third witness in the matter, PW-3, Mr Nicholas Ojehomon, who is an internal auditor at the American International School Abuja, concluded his evidence-in-chief.

    However, EFCC’s counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, raised an objection, insisting that the defendant could not tender such a document at that stage of the proceeding when the prosecution has not closed its case.

    He contended that by operation of section 232 of the Evidence Act, the only kind of evidence that could be tendered is a previous written statement of the witness, for the purpose of contracting or challenging his current testimony.

    “In order to do so, the attention of the witness must be drawn to specific portions of the previous statement he made.

    “My lord, this is not an election petition. Even in such proceedings, a party cannot be tendering from the bar documents at the time his adversary is still proving his case; he must wait,” EFCC’s lawyer insisted.

    On his part, ex-governor Bello’s lawyer, Daudu, SAN, argued that the judgement in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023, between Mr Ali Bello and the Incorporated Trustees of the American International School, sought to be tendered, was relevant to the case.

    “My lord, the admissibility of documents in criminal or civil cases is governed strictly and exclusively by the principles of relevance to the proceedings at hand.

    “We submit that the document is relevant. That is what is contained in Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Evidence Act, 2011,” he argued.

    After he had listened to the parties, Justice Nwite adjourned to rule on the matter.

    Earlier in his testimony, the witness told the court that all the money that was transferred into the school’s account was through Telex.

    He mentioned some of the details to include $49,600.00 from Forza Oil and Gas for the benefit of Zahra Omenetke Bello, as well as another $44,700.00 from the same company for Fatima Oziohu Bello.

    Others are $11,000.00 paid in for Farida Oricha Bello by Whales Oil and Gas; $78,160.00 paid in for Fatima Oziohu Bello by Aleshua Solutions Services; and another $42,170.00 from the same company for Na’ima Ohunene Bello.

    He told the court that both Forza Oil and Gas and Unnati General Trading LLC paid in $44,700.00 and $75,000.00, respectively, for N’aima Ohunene Bello.

    The school’s auditor further revealed that Unnati General Trading LLC also paid in $75,000.00 in two places for Fareed and Zahra Bello, respectively, while one Manzi Issa of Plot 9116 Bukasa Muyenga UG Kampala in Uganda paid in $100,000.00.

    Likewise, the witness said the sum of $90,000.00 was also paid in by Dada Grand Merchant Ltd from a location in Arua Kansanga, Uganda.

    Asked if the name of Yayaya Bello was indicated as the sender of any of the transfers, the witness said, “I hereby confirm that Ali Bello and Yahaya Bello, from the document before me, are not the senders.

    “I can also confirm that the American International School of Abuja issued receipts certifying all the payments.”

    When he was shown a bundle of receipts already in evidence before the court, the witness confirmed that they were all issued in the name of the four children of the former governor in the school.

    He equally confirmed that none of the receipts were issued to any of those that transferred the monies to the school’s account.

    Bello, who piloted the affairs of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial over his alleged complicity in an N80.2 billion fraud.

    EFCC alleged that he used five proxies to acquire 13 choice properties in highbrow areas of Abuja and Dubai.

    It told the court that the properties were acquired with proceeds of crime.

    Besides, the anti-graft agency alleged that the former governor attempted to conceal over N3bn by handing the same to proxies to keep for him.

    It further told the court that the defendant wired over $700,000 to an account he maintained with a bank in the United States of America (USA) in breach of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

    Among those that were fingered in the alleged fraud were the former governor’s nephew, Ali Bello, and four others – Dauda Suleiman, Shehu Bello, Rabiu Musa and Hudu, who is currently at large.

    According to the EFCC, the defendant, by his action, committed public breach of trust, contrary to section 18(a) and (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, and punishable under section 15 of the same Act.

    The ex-governor had since pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as he was released on bail by the court, pending the determination of allegations against him.

  • Ogun police arrest three over electrocution of 23-year-old apprentice

    Ogun police arrest three over electrocution of 23-year-old apprentice

    The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a welder, Oladokun Johnson; a truck driver, Azeez Salami and a truck owner, Olaleye Kamaldeen, over the electrocution of a 23-year-old apprentice, Jonathan Emmanuel, at a welding workshop in the Asimolowo area of Ifo.

    The father of the late Emmanuel, Mr Abah Emmanuel, was said to have reported the tragic incident to Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters on Thursday, March 6 2024 at about 6 pm.

    He was said to have stated that he received information from Salami, the truck driver and the deceased’s master, about his son’s electrocution.

    The Spokesman for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Friday.

    Odutola explained that immediately after receiving the report, police officers were drafted to visit the scene rendering assistance in evacuation to the General Hospital, where the doctor on duty confirmed the victim as Brought In Dead.

    She said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that Oladokun Johnson, a welder, was working on a container at his workshop, using a welding machine with an exposed live wire.

    “At the time of the incident, Olaleye Kamaldeen, the owner of an Iveco truck (Reg. No. T 7146 LA, Lagos), had arrived with a minibus carrying about ten truck rims for offloading.

    “While Azeez Salami (truck driver), Olaleye Kamaldeen (truck owner), and Jonathan Emmanuel (victim) were rolling the rims towards the truck, one of the rims came into contact with the exposed wire, resulting in the victim’s immediate electrocution”.

    “Following the incident, police operatives recovered the welding machine and exposed wire as exhibits.

    “The welder, truck owner, and driver have been arrested and are currently in custody as investigations continue. The case will be transferred to the SCID for further investigation and possible prosecution”.

    The command has however strongly advised business owners and artisans to prioritize workplace safety measures to prevent such tragic and avoidable incidents.