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Yahaya Bello’s nephew: Access Bank breaks silence on Kogi govt’s bank transactions

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Olom Otane Egoro, a compliance officer from Access Bank, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that Daudu Sulaiman, a co-defendant with Ali Bello, was not listed in the Kogi State Government House bank statements at Access Bank from 2019 to 2021.

During a cross-examination on Thursday, Egoro provided details regarding the amended money-laundering charges against Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, and Sulaiman.

The charges stem from allegations of misappropriation of state funds and money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Egoro previously testified about significant cash deposits into the Kogi State bank account in 2019, which were quickly withdrawn in substantial amounts, typically in increments of N10 million. His testimony was based on bank statements from the Kogi State Government House held at Access Bank between 2019 and 2021.

The court accepted these documents as exhibits upon the request of EFCC’s counsel, Oyedepo.

During the cross-examination led by Ali Bello’s lawyer, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN), Egoro admitted that the compliance unit staff does not maintain the bank’s servers, which is the responsibility of the ICT Department. Additionally, when questioned by Suleiman’s lawyer, Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN), Egoro confirmed that Sulaiman’s name did not appear in the bank records relevant to the case.

Following his testimony, the court excused Egoro from the witness stand and adjourned the proceedings.

The EFCC is also prosecuting the defendants in other related cases being heard by Justices Obiora Egwuatu and Emeka Nwite.

The arraignment of the former Kogi governor in a case before Justice Emeka Nwite has been rescheduled for June 27.

Crime/Law

Kano police arrest 3 suspects in connection with murder of 32-year-old Dahiru Musa

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The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to the murder of Dahiru Musa, a 32-year-old resident of Dorayi quarters in Kano.

This was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna.

According to the statement, the arrests were made following a report by Musa’s brother, who initially reported him missing.

The brother also raised suspicions about one of Musa’s close associates, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

The investigation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be involved in Musa’s murder.

READ ALSO: Protesters storm Kano streets with Russian flags

The Kano State Police Command is continuing its inquiries to uncover further details surrounding the crime.

“On September 29, 2024, at about 7:30 pm, a resident of Dorayi Quarters, Kano, lodged a complaint that his brother, Dahiru Musa, had gone missing. He expressed strong suspicions regarding Aliyu Adamu, 22, of Gaida Yan-Kusa Quarters, Kumbotso LGA, Kano State, who was the last person in contact with the deceased,” the statement read.

Haruna noted that a team of detectives swung into action upon receiving the report, leading to the arrest of Adamu on September 30, 2024.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to conspiring with his friend, Mubarak Abdulsalam, 20, of Mandawari Quarters, Kano, to lure the victim to his residence in Gaida Yan-Kusa under the guise of discussing a land transaction,” it added.

The suspects reportedly offered Musa poisoned food, and after he became unconscious, they stabbed him to death. His body was then wrapped in a sack and dumped in an uncompleted building near Adamu’s house.

Their motive, according to Haruna, was to seize Musa’s landed property, as Adamu had gained possession of the land documents.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Abdulsalam, who allegedly conspired with another accomplice, Sadiq Sunusi, 19, to burn Musa’s body with petrol after Adamu’s arrest, in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The charred remains were recovered and taken to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, for autopsy.

Haruna added that all three suspects are currently in custody at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, commended the public for their assistance in providing information that led to the arrests.

He also urged residents to exercise caution, especially when conducting business in unfamiliar or isolated areas.

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Federal High Court bars VIO from stopping, impounding vehicles, imposing fines

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In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on motorists.

This decision came after a suit was filed by human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal from Falana and Falana Chambers.

The ruling, delivered by Honourable Justice N.E. Maha in case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, found that the VIO and associated respondents, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, lacked legal authority to carry out such actions.

The court agreed with the plaintiff, stating that no law empowered the respondents to stop or fine motorists.

On October 2, 2024, Justice Maha declared the actions of the VIO as unlawful and oppressive, issuing an order to restrain the agency, its agents, and representatives from continuing to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists.

Additionally, the court granted a perpetual injunction, protecting Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, property ownership, and presumption of innocence without legal justification.

This ruling serves as a significant victory for motorists and upholds the legal rights of citizens against arbitrary actions by traffic authorities.

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Auchi tragedy: Mob lynches man after he allegedly kills brother over family dispute

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A tragic incident unfolded in Auchi, Edo State, on Friday, when a mob reportedly beat a young man to death after he allegedly shot and killed his brother during a family dispute.

The shocking event took place on Solo Street in the Iyekhei area of Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, just a day before the Edo State governorship election.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim, identified as Mr. Rashid Osigwei, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, was shot by his younger brother following a heated altercation.

The murder enraged the community, prompting residents to apprehend the younger brother and fatally attack him in retaliation.

Attempts to get a response from the police were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The double tragedy has left the community in shock and fear, with authorities working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.

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