Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

Asset forfeiture: Again, Federal High Court Refuses To Hear EFCC’s Stay of Execution Application against Yahaya Bello

Published

on

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

Asset forfeiture: Again, Federal High Court Refuses To Hear EFCC’s Stay of Execution Application against Yahaya Bello

 

 

 

 

Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, refused to entertain an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling that lifted a forfeiture order on some assets linked to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

 

 

 

 

 

The judge adjourned the hearing of the application indefinitely because the matter is now before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

 

 

 

 

 

Justice Oweibo had, on April 26, 2023, struck out a suit by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of the properties on the grounds of provisions of Section 308(1) of the Constitution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Judge had held that “given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/ criminal prosecution, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter”, and the suit was struck out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the matter was called on Monday, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that he had filed an application dated April 27, 2023, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling pending the outcome of the appeal on the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But in his response, counsel to the Kogi State governor, Akoh Ocheni, asked the court to strike out the application because the anti-graft agency failed to comply with the rules of the court, which mandates it to file a written address along with the application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ocheni also informed the court that the matter was now before the Court of Appeal as records of proceedings have been transmitted to the upper court.

 

 

Asset forfeiture: Again, Federal High Court Refuses To Hear EFCC's Stay of Execution Application against Yahaya Bello

 

 

 

He argued that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to continue to hear the application.

After listening to the lawyers, Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter sine die to await the appellate court’s decision.

The judge had earlier on February 22, granted a temporary forfeiture order following an exparte motion filed by the EFCC seeking to seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Governor Bello, however, filed a Notice of Intention to oppose and an application seeking the vacation of the interim forfeiture order.

The Governor, through his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), also argued that the property listed were not proceeds of unlawful acts, as they were acquired long before he was elected as Kogi State Governor and could not have been received from Kogi State funds.

He further submitted that the case was in flagrant disobedience to a state high court order, which restrained the Economic or government agency from taking action that may lead to the forfeiture of the properties.

He added that the interim forfeiture order was obtained by either suppression or misrepresenting facts by the Commission.

The governor also said that the proceeding of the Crime Act could not take effect in retrospect as the property in dispute was acquired before he became Kogi state governor.

He said the validity of the Crime Act is being challenged at the Supreme Court.

In his response, the counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the applicant had placed sufficient materials before the court to convince the court to vacate the order.

The judge held that given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/criminal prosecution, the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The court, therefore, struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement

celebrity radar - gossips

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

Published

on

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

 

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),
Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa endorses Laffmattazz, says Ondo State is safe for tourism and entertainment

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Olowu Kuta Urges Alaafin, Ooni To Foster Unity In Yorubaland

Published

on

Olowu Kuta Urges Alaafin, Ooni To Foster Unity In Yorubaland

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun iii, has urged Alaafin of Oyo, HIM Oba Abimbola Owoade and Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja ii to foster unity in Yorubaland for the development of the region.
Oba Makama spoke when he hosted Alaafin Owoade on Tuesday in his palace in Kuta.
Continuing, Oba Makama said it’s only in unity that the region would witness even development.

The monarch explained that it’s when there’s unity that the region would harness its vast potential for the benefit of all.
Oba Makama insisted that the time has come for traditional rulers in Yorubaland to come together to solve the myraids of problems bessetting it, especially youth unemployment.
He, however, urged the two monarchs to also ensure that they promote culture and tradition, which is the primary focus of traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
“We thank God for today. On behalf of our chairman in Osun state council of Obas, Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ii, who is abroad now, I greet you. We have traditional rulers from five local governments waiting for you, Kabiyesi, for over five hours.
“I don’t know if you’ll still visit their locality during your courtesy visit.
“I watched the video of your itinerary yesterday and what Olugbon said . You have become Oba at the right time. There’s a need for unity amongst the Yoruba Obas. God has placed you and Ooni as the leaders in Yorubaland. Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, you’ll use this courtesy visit to pass a strong message. There’s a crisis in Yorubaland. God has said it’s time to come together and unite.
“The unity of Yorubaland is very paramount. Our son, Bola Tinubu, is the president of Nigeria now. There is a need to rally round him to succeed.” Olowu said.

Responding, Oba Owoade thanked Oba Makama for his good gesture and warm reception.
Oba Owoade said he has been monitoring Oba Makama for about two years now in the media and how he has been promoting culture and traditions.

Oba Owoade said he was excited with the admonition of Kabiyesi Olowu, which for him really made the visit a worthwhile journey.
“The purpose of our visit is to thank you, and like Kabiyesi Olowu mentioned, the unity of Yorubaland is paramount to me,” Alaafin added.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

Published

on

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has expressed optimism that the security situation in the country would improve in the next two years of President Bola Tinubu.

Buratai stated this in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2025 VON Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the former Ambassador, there is no country that does not have its peculiar challenges, including the western countries.

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

“However, concerning the security in Nigeria, I foresee much improvement in the next two years of President Bola Tinubu.

“Lessons have been learnt. Insecurity is not something you wished away overnight

“It will not disappear, just like other forms of crimes like rape, armed robbery, pick pockets and others.

These are societal ills that will continue to exist as long as human beings exist.

“So, insecurity is something you continue to handle as they arise.

“I believe that members of the armed forces and other security agencies including the police have taken lessons from the recent challenges.

“And I believe they will rise up to the occasion and deal with it, but also, there should be collaboration of all stakeholders; from federal agencies to the state and local governments to ensure improved security.
“If we depend too much on the Federal Government without us doing our part, that’s where this 2025 VON Forum comes handy; citizen engagement”..

Gen Buratai further explained that in achieving national security, institutional capacity building and manpower development remains very important.

He noted that there are national security policies and national defence policies which need implementation to the letter.

“When executing or implementing it, there is coordination. You need to work with others to achieve more”, Buratai said.

I see improved security in next 2 years under Tinubu – Ambassador Buratai

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending