society
EFCC Versus Yahaya Bello: What’s The Role Of DSS, Police? *By Kenny Osifisan
EFCC Versus Yahaya Bello: What’s The Role Of DSS, Police?
*By Kenny Osifisan
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, now appears to be larger and higher than the laws of the land.
Though he no longer has immunity having left office as governor since January this year, it has become impossible to arraign him in court to answer charges of allegations of N80.2bn money laundering levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Chimes Commission (EFCC), because of powerful hands in this current administration.
In the past nine months, Yahaya Bello, because of the support of people in government, has continued to enjoy protection by some government security agencies in the country to defeat and slow down the course of the law.
With these backings, Yahaya Bello has refused to appear in court to answer the charges against him being by the EFCC.
While the EFCC is the right agency by law to prosecute the ex-Governor over the alleged money laundering case, what has become the roles of the DSS and the Police according to their duties and obligations to the Nigerian Constitution?
The protections of Yahaya Bello directly role indirectly by these government security personnel also mean that their loyalty is not to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which they all swore to protect and defend at all times.
Can this really happen in other climes that a person declared wanted by a court of proper jurisdiction is not only seen by government security personnel, but being given protection?
Rather than arresting Yahaya Bello as a wanted man and handing him over to the prosecuting agency, these government security agencies have turned blind eyes and ears and continued to build a web of protection around Yahaya Bello as if he is still enjoying immunity of a sitting governor.
Looking at it critically, what is going on now in Yahaya Bello’s case is against international norms and conventions.
When a citizen is been investigated for money laundering and other crimes, the international convention and norm is that the security agencies protecting that person must cooperate with the agency prosecuting that particular citizen. In fact, official security is immediately withdrawn from such person.
A case in point is that the whole world saw what happened during the investigation of the former President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.
Despite Trump’s previous position far higher than those ever occupied by Yahaya Bello, Trump was not treated as an individual above the law.
The security service personnel protecting Trump put the country first and cooperated with the FBI when it came to raid Trump’s house. They offered all the supports the FBI needed to carry out its job, which is the acceptable international norm.
But rather than do the same here in Nigeria, the security agencies protecting Yahaya Bello are obstructing investigations.
When Yahaya Bello, who has been in hiding for months, eventually sneaked into the EFCC car park to take pictures last week, he was said to be holding firmly to the hand of his successor and kinsman, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, who is presently enjoying immunity as a sitting governor.
In court on Wednesday 25th September, 2024, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, the lead prosecution counsel in Yahaya Bello trial case, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, had explained what transpired in the recent appearance of Bello at the parking lots of the EFCC.
He also pointed out that what played out was out of place despite both the trial court and Court of Appeal clearly ordering Bello to present himself for arraignment in the N80.2 billion money laundering charges preferred against him by the EFCC.
He said “There is nowhere my Lordship or the Court of Appeal ordered that Yahaya Bello present himself at the EFCC car park, but rather to appear before my Lordship for arraignment.”
“What is even more worrisome and disconcerting is that the defendant went to the EFCC car park holding the hands of a person with immunity who came with all the full security of his office”
“The implication, my Lord, is if there was an attempt to get him from the person of immunity, there would be an invitation to anarchy.
“The invitation by the EFCC later in the day for Yahaya Bello to come alone, not with a person with immunity, security persons and other people was resisted again on their own admission”, he said.
Continuing, Pinheiro said, “My Lord, we wrote a letter to the defendant’s lawyers drawing our colleagues’ attention that arraignment is not conducted in EFCC’s car park, but the defendant should be in court today according to the judgment of the Court of Appeal and this honourable court’s ruling”.
“The court must resist it Bello’s antics. It is a place of serious and solemn business”, he stated, as he specifically pushed for order of the court to sanction Bello’s lawyer, Agboyi, and be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, for turning the court to a vaudeville.
Justice Emeka Nwite on Wednesday had to grant the adjournment of the case against Yahaya Bello, until October 30, 2024, for a ruling after the defence counsel A.M. Adoyi informed the court that the matter of Bello’s arraignment, which is under appeal, had been taken to the Supreme Court.
According to Adoyi, the Court of Appeal ruling on August 28, which directed Bello to appear before Justice Nwite for arraignment, had been challenged at the apex court.
While the law is still obviously been exploited by the defendant to delay the trial process, it is very important for the security agencies protecting Yahaya Bello to put Nigeria first in their assignments and beats.
They should follow the acceptable international conventions and norms to cooperate with the prosecuting agency, EFCC, towards getting justice and fighting corruption in the land. It is the constitutional obligations of the Police and the DSS to support and cooperate with the EFCC, not only on the Yayaya Bello case but on every other cases.
No individual should be allowed or supported to be bigger than the laws of Nigeria.
Kenny Osifisan, a public affairs analyst and good governance advocate, sent this from [email protected]
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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