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Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

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Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

. Ali Bello, Suleman refute EFCC’s allegations in amended charges

 

 

There was confusion on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following amended charges filed against Alli Bello and Daudu Suleiman, including the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claimed they allegedly diverted about N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, months before former Governor Bello assumed office as Governor.

 

Confusion as EFCC names ex-Kogi Gov in amended corruption allegations perpetrated before he became Governor

 

 

Governor Bello was not a defendant in the original suit, and was not in court. However, Ali Bello, currently Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor and Dauda Suleman have denied the fraud allegations in the amended charges brought against them at the fresh aaraignment on Thursday in Abuja.

Their plea was taken by Justice James Kolawole Omotoso.

Both Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman vehemently denied the allegations contained in the 17 counts amended charges.

Earlier, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, had objected to reading of the amended charges to his client.

His ground of objection was that the anti-graft agency had failed woefully to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The senior lawyer submitted that a copy of the amended charges was not served on them as required by the provisions of the ACJA Act.

EECC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN asked the court to reject the arguments of the defendant, adding that the court had on its own endorsed the amendment.

In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled that he had granted accelerated hearing in the matter and had also ordered that all forms of objections must be kept in abeyance till address stage.

He then directed the Registrar of the Court to read the amended charges.

In the first count, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were accused of conspiring with each other in September 2015 and converted N80, 246, 470, 089 to their personal use.

They were alleged to have run foul of section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 because they ought to have reasonably known that the money was a product of fraud and criminal breach of public trust.

In other charges, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were alleged to have concealed several millions of naira with one Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau De Change BDC operator trading under Global Venture in Abuja.

Alli Bello’s counsel, Aliyu SAN, at this point, applied that one of the EFCC witnesses, Edward Fanada, be recalled for fresh cross examination in view of the contents of the amended charges.

The request was granted by Justice James Kolawole Omotoso due to no opposition from the EFCC lawyer.

Meanwhile, Justice Omotoso has ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted them in the previous charges.

Fashion/Lifestyle

Introducing “Atupaglowco” : Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning

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Introducing “Atupaglowco”: Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning

 

Every great journey begins with a sense of anticipation. For us, it began with a simple belief that a space should do more than exist, it should speak comfort and glow.

 

In a world filled with noise, stress, and endless motion, we realized something powerful. Fragrance can transform not just rooms, but moods. A familiar scent can calm anxiety. A warm aroma can turn a house into a home. A gentle glow can bring peace after a long day. This realization gave birth to “Atupaglowco.”

 

Atupaglowco was not created to sell diffusers, room sprays, or candles. It was created to create experiences. To create moments. To create atmospheres where people can breathe, reflect, and feel whole again.

 

The name itself represents more than a brand. It represents warmth. It represents light. It represents presence. We remember the early days, the planning, the testing of scents, the moments of doubt, and the moments of excitement. Each candle poured was a step of faith. Each fragrance blended was a piece of our vision coming to life. We weren’t just building products; we were building something meaningful.

 

Our diffusers were designed to quietly fill spaces with elegance.

Our room sprays were crafted to instantly refresh and revive environments. Our candles were made to bring calm, beauty, and a soft glow into everyday life.

 

Atupaglowco was born from passion, patience, and purpose. This launch is not just the start of a business. It is the start of a movement to help people create spaces they love. Spaces that inspire rest. Spaces that inspire joy. Spaces that glow.

 

We believe fragrance is personal. We believe glow is emotional. We believe every space deserves both.

 

Today, we proudly introduce Atupaglowco to the world.

 

This is only the beginning.

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Ajadi Hails Oyo Speaker Ogundoyin at 39, Describes Him as Beacon of Purposeful Leadership

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Ajadi Hails Oyo Speaker Ogundoyin at 39, Describes Him as Beacon of Purposeful Leadership

 

 

 

A leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on the occasion of his 39th birthday, describing him as “a symbol of resilience, maturity and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

 

In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Ajadi praised Ogundoyin’s steady rise in public service, noting that his emergence as Speaker at a relatively young age reflects the possibilities of responsible youth leadership when combined with discipline, vision and service.

 

“Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s leadership has shown that age is not a barrier to excellence,” Ajadi said. “At 39, he stands tall as one of the most impactful Speakers in Oyo State’s history—calm, inclusive and deeply committed to democratic ideals.”

 

Ogundoyin, who represents Ibarapa East State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, has served as Speaker since 2019 and was re-elected to lead the 10th Assembly in June 2023. His tenure has been marked by legislative stability, improved executive–legislative relations and youth-inclusive governance.

 

 

Ajadi commended the Speaker for fostering unity within the Assembly and prioritising laws that strengthen grassroots development across Oyo State. “His humility, accessibility and focus on people-oriented legislation have earned him respect beyond party lines,” he said. “He exemplifies the kind of leadership Oyo State needs—one anchored on service, accountability and progress.”

 

The governorship aspirant further described Ogundoyin as a rallying point for young Nigerians aspiring to public office. “In a country searching for credible leaders, Ogundoyin’s story offers hope,” Ajadi added. “He has shown that when young leaders are trusted with responsibility, they can deliver stability and results.”

 

Ajadi wished the Speaker many more years of good health, wisdom and greater service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large, praying that his leadership journey continues to inspire a new generation of public servants.

 

Ogundoyin, one of the youngest Speakers in Nigeria, has continued to attract goodwill messages from political leaders, civil society actors and constituents, as Oyo State marks another year in the life of a lawmaker widely regarded as a steady hand in the state’s legislative affairs.

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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE JOINS MUSLIM UMMAH IN RAMADAN GREETINGS, CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR NATIONAL PROGRESS

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*GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE JOINS MUSLIM UMMAH IN RAMADAN GREETINGS, CALLS FOR PRAYERS FOR NATIONAL PROGRESS*

 

The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has extended heartfelt wishes of Ramadan Mubarak to the Muslim Ummah across Nigeria, while earnestly urging prayers for the success and development of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

This message was conveyed in an official statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara of Biu, and released to the press.

 

The statement highlighted a powerful exhortation from the Initiative’s Grand Patron, His Excellency General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, the Minister of Defence. General Musa called on the Muslim faithful to deeply reflect upon and embody the profound teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) throughout the sacred month of Ramadan and in their daily lives beyond. He emphasized the core Islamic values of piety, charity, tolerance, and unity as essential pillars for personal and national well-being.

 

The GCGMSI, a foremost advocacy group renowned for its unwavering commitment to national cohesion, reiterated its foundational mission of uniting Nigerians across all ethnic, religious, and social divides. The Initiative remains at the forefront of fostering dialogue, understanding, and a shared sense of patriotism. A key pillar of this mission is its dedicated focus on youth enlightenment, empowering the younger generation with values of civic responsibility, peace, and constructive engagement for a brighter national future.

 

The statement further underscored the steadfast commitment of its Grand Patron, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, to the ideal of “One Nigeria.” As Minister of Defence and a respected national figure, General Musa continues to champion policies and actions aimed at securing the nation and promoting inclusive development that leaves no citizen behind. His leadership, both within the GCGMSI and in his official capacity, is firmly anchored in the belief that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity and collective purpose.

 

The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative seizes this holy period to reaffirm its dedication to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, and the overall socio-economic agenda of the Federal Government, praying for divine guidance for the nation’s leaders.

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